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Gamma knife radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors.
Y G Park1, J Y Choi, J W Chang
1Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. ygpark@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
|October 16, 2002
Summary
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery effectively treats metastatic brain tumors, with survival rates of 73.6% at 6 months. Patient factors like KPS scores and controlled disease significantly impact outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
- Oncology
Background:
- Metastatic brain tumors are a common challenge in cancer care.
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) offers a non-invasive treatment option for these lesions.
- Understanding factors influencing survival is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors.
- To identify prognostic factors associated with improved survival in patients treated with GKRS.
- To assess the impact of adjuvant whole brain irradiation on survival and local control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 115 patients with 425 metastatic brain tumor lesions treated with GKRS between May 1992 and January 2001.
- Data collection included patient demographics, primary tumor sites, tumor volume, radiation dose, and survival status.
- Multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors for survival.
Main Results:
- The 6-month, 1-year, and 18-month survival rates were 73.6%, 58%, and 46%, respectively.
- Higher Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores, absence of extracranial metastasis, and controlled primary disease were significantly associated with longer survival.
- Adjuvant whole brain irradiation did not demonstrate a significant impact on survival prolongation or local control.
Conclusions:
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is an effective treatment for metastatic brain tumors, offering meaningful survival rates.
- Patient's overall health status (KPS), systemic disease control, and absence of spread are key determinants of survival.
- Adjuvant whole brain irradiation may not be necessary for all patients undergoing radiosurgery for brain metastases.