Brain injury: current management and investigations

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Surgical oncology
• Medical oncology

Background:

• Primary brain tumors and brain metastases are treated with radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy.
• Therapeutic advancements have improved cancer management and patient survival.
• Increased survival necessitates greater attention to treatment-related toxicities, particularly brain injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current management strategies for brain injuries caused by cancer treatments.
• To discuss investigations into modality-related brain injuries.
• To highlight the increasing importance of addressing acute and long-term brain injury in neuro-oncology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy effects on the brain.
• Analysis of current clinical practices for managing treatment-induced brain injuries.
• Synthesis of research on the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of brain injury.

Main Results:

• All three treatment modalities, alone or in combination, can cause acute and long-term brain injury.
• The incidence and severity of brain injury are influenced by treatment type, dose, and combination.
• Improved cancer survival leads to a higher likelihood of observing long-term neurological deficits.

Conclusions:

• Brain injury is a significant and growing concern in the management of brain malignancies.
• Effective strategies for preventing and managing these injuries are essential for improving patient quality of life.
• Further research is needed to optimize treatments and minimize neurological sequelae.