Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Modeling Brain Metastasis by Internal Carotid Artery Injection of Cancer Cells
Published on: August 2, 2022
Thyroid carcinoma brain metastases: radiosurgery outcomes and genomic characterization across histologic subtypes
Muhammad Izhar1, Ahed H Kattaa1, Paul M Harary1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
Background:
Thyroid carcinoma brain metastases (TCBM) are rare and bear a poor prognosis. While stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used as a minimally invasive treatment option for TCBM, data on clinical outcomes remain limited. Here, we assess local control, overall survival, and adverse effects of SRS for TCBM patients. In addition, we perform an exploratory analysis of genetic variants across histologic subtypes of thyroid cancer with brain involvement.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent SRS for a total of 65 brain metastases. Demographic, clinical, tumor, and treatment characteristics were collected. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed using a targeted sequencing panel. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to identify predictors of local tumor progression.
Results:
The cohort consisted of 10 males (58.8%) and 7 females (41.2%), with a mean age of 62 ± 14.2 years. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common histology (70.6%). Median Karnofsky Performance Status was 80 (IQR, 70-90). All lesions were treated with SRS, with a median target volume of 0.11 cc and a median prescribed dose of 24 Gy. Cumulative local control rates were 87.5% at 6 months and 81.6% at 9, 12, and 24 months. DIF occurred in 4 of 17 patients (24%). KM-estimated DIC was 94% at 6 and 9 months, 86% at 12 months, and 54% at 24 months. Overall survival rates were 88.2% at 6 months, 82.4% at 9 months, 76.5% at 12 months, and 55.6% at 24 months. Median overall survival was 33 months (95% CI, 12.6-53.4). Genetic testing suggested variations in molecular profiles across the primary histologic subtypes. Radiation necrosis occurred in 5 of 65 lesions (7.7%), and seizures were reported in 2 patients (11.8%).
Conclusions:
SRS provides durable local control with acceptable toxicity in patients with TCBM. Despite the small cohort size, these findings support SRS as an effective and safe treatment modality. Larger, prospective studies are warranted to better define prognostic factors and optimize patient selection.
Insights
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers effective local control for thyroid carcinoma brain metastases (TCBM) with manageable side effects. This study supports SRS as a safe treatment option for TCBM, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid carcinoma brain metastases (TCBM) are rare and associated with poor outcomes.
- Limited clinical data exist on the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for TCBM.
- This study evaluates SRS outcomes and explores genetic variants in TCBM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess local control, overall survival, and adverse effects of SRS in TCBM patients.
- To explore potential correlations between genetic variants and histologic subtypes of thyroid cancer with brain involvement.
- To determine the safety and efficacy of SRS for managing TCBM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 TCBM patients treated with SRS for 65 metastases.
- Collection of demographic, clinical, tumor, and treatment data.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genetic variant analysis and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis.
Main Results:
- High local control rates at 6-24 months (87.5% to 81.6%).
- Median overall survival of 33 months, with 24-month survival at 55.6%.
- Acceptable toxicity, with radiation necrosis in 7.7% and seizures in 11.8% of patients.
Conclusions:
- SRS demonstrates durable local control and acceptable toxicity in TCBM patients.
- Findings support SRS as an effective and safe treatment for TCBM.
- Larger prospective studies are needed to identify prognostic factors and optimize treatment selection.
More Related Videos
03:55Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
07:42Modelling Brain Metastasis: Standardized Analysis of Metastatic Colonization and Histological Growth Patterns by Stereotactic Intracortical Injection
Published on: January 16, 2026