Linear accelerator based stereotactic radiosurgery for melanoma brain metastases

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Melanoma frequently metastasizes to the brain, often leading to central nervous system (CNS) disease.
• Effective local treatment of brain metastases is crucial for patient palliation and survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for treating melanoma brain metastases.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of SRS in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 54 patients with 103 melanoma brain metastases treated with SRS.
• Analysis of patient demographics, tumor characteristics, prior treatments (surgery, whole brain radiation therapy), and extracranial disease status.
• Median SRS dose of 24 Gy in a single fraction to the 80% isodose line.

Main Results:

• Actuarial local control rates at six and 12 months were 87% and 68%, respectively.
• Overall survival rates at six and 12 months were 50% and 25%, respectively.
• Prior surgical resection was the only significant predictor of overall survival; 18% experienced post-SRS bleeding with minimal other toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a safe and effective treatment for melanoma brain metastases.
• SRS achieves acceptable local tumor control with a favorable toxicity profile.