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Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Gynecologic Cancer
Published on: April 17, 2012
Stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastasis from gynecological cancers: A systematic review
Sean Li1, Joyce Hyojin Lee1, Pratheek Makineni1
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Background:
Though rare in gynecologic cancers, brain metastases have become more frequently diagnosed, likely due to improved treatments and clinical awareness. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a precise treatment option showing promise for these cases. This systematic literature review evaluates the outcomes of SRS for gynecologic cancer brain metastases to guide clinical decision-making.
Methods:
This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to identify clinical studies on the use of SRS for brain metastases from gynecological cancers. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE for English-only articles from 2000 to 2024, and studies were independently screened by three authors. Study bias was evaluated across seven domains.
Results:
Fourteen studies met criteria, encompassing 534 patients. The most common gynecological cancer studied was ovarian (299/534, 56.0%), followed by endometrial (136/534, 25.5%), and cervical cancer (93/534, 17.4%). The mean KPS was 79.0 (range, 20-100). The mean time from primary cancer diagnosis to brain metastasis diagnosis was 44.3 months (range, -1-428 months). Local control rates ranged from 66.7% to 100% with the mean, 1-year local control rate being 87.6%. Overall survival from brain metastasis diagnosis ranged from 5 to 18.5 months; higher KPS, older age, whole brain radiotherapy prior to SRS, fewer metastases, and controlled primary cancer were associated with improved survival.
Conclusion:
Brain metastases in gynecologic cancers are rising due to improved survival. This review suggests SRS as a promising treatment, offering survival outcomes similar to other cancer types. Further research is needed to enhance prognostication and patient outcomes.
Insights
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) shows promise for treating brain metastases from gynecologic cancers. This review found SRS offers effective local control and survival outcomes, guiding clinical decisions for these rare but increasing cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Brain metastases are increasingly diagnosed in gynecologic cancers due to improved patient survival and clinical awareness.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an emerging, precise treatment modality for these metastases.
- This systematic review addresses the growing need for evidence-based guidance on SRS for gynecologic cancer brain metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate the clinical outcomes of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases originating from gynecologic cancers.
- To provide data to guide clinical decision-making regarding the use of SRS in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Searches included PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE for English-only articles published between 2000 and 2024.
- Independent screening by three authors and bias evaluation were performed.
Main Results:
- Fourteen studies involving 534 patients were analyzed, predominantly ovarian (56.0%), endometrial (25.5%), and cervical (17.4%) cancers.
- Mean Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) was 79.0; mean time to brain metastasis diagnosis was 44.3 months.
- The mean 1-year local control rate was 87.6%, with overall survival ranging from 5 to 18.5 months. Factors like higher KPS and fewer metastases correlated with improved survival.
Conclusions:
- Rising incidence of brain metastases in gynecologic cancers necessitates effective treatment strategies.
- SRS demonstrates promising efficacy, with local control and survival rates comparable to other cancer types.
- Further research is recommended to refine prognostication and optimize patient outcomes with SRS.
