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Published on: December 28, 2017
Advances in Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases
Jennifer K Matsui1, Haley K Perlow2, Rituraj Upadhyay2
1College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43201, USA.
Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America
|May 14, 2023
Summary
Advances in radiotherapy for brain metastases improve patient survival and quality of life. Newer techniques like hippocampal sparing whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) mitigate neurotoxicity and enhance neurocognitive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Clinical neurology
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a primary treatment for brain metastases.
- Increased patient survival necessitates managing treatment-related neurotoxicity.
- Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has historically been used.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in radiotherapy for brain metastases.
- To highlight methods for improving neurocognitive outcomes.
- To discuss strategies for managing radiation necrosis.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of hippocampal sparing WBRT.
- Review of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) evidence (preoperative and fractionated).
- Examination of techniques for sparing critical structures (hippocampus, fornix).
Main Results:
- Hippocampal sparing WBRT and SRS show promise in improving long-term neurocognitive outcomes.
- Advances allow for better management of brain metastases with reduced side effects.
- Strategies for managing radiation necrosis are being developed.
Conclusions:
- Modern radiotherapy techniques offer improved outcomes for brain metastases patients.
- Sparing critical brain structures is key to preserving neurocognitive function.
- Ongoing research focuses on optimizing treatment and managing complications.
