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An update on radiation therapy for brain metastases
Tai-Chung Lam1, Arjun Sahgal2, Simon S Lo3
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Chinese Clinical Oncology
|August 27, 2017
Summary
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) improves local control for brain metastases. Advances in radiation therapy (RT) focus on preserving neurocognitive function and quality of life alongside tumor control.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Brain metastases are a common complication of systemic cancer.
- Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone treatment for brain metastases.
- Recent advancements aim to improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in radiation therapy for brain metastases.
- To highlight the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in local tumor control.
- To discuss strategies for preserving neurocognitive function and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical trials and prospective data on RT for brain metastases.
- Evaluation of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone and in combination with surgery.
- Assessment of novel techniques like hippocampi-sparing whole brain RT.
Main Results:
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) demonstrates efficacy in controlling multiple brain metastases.
- SRS alone is feasible for treating up to 5 or more brain metastatic tumors.
- Multidisciplinary approach combining surgery and cavity SRS preserves neurocognitive function without compromising survival.
- Hippocampi-sparing whole brain RT is being investigated to minimize neurocognitive toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy, particularly SRS, plays a crucial role in managing brain metastases.
- Preserving neurocognitive function and quality of life are key considerations in RT planning.
- Evidence supports combining surgical resection with cavity SRS for optimal outcomes.
- Ongoing research focuses on refining RT techniques to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects.
