Cerebral metastatic choriocarcinoma: intensive therapy and prognosis

Choriocarcinoma is known to be sensitive to chemotherapy. Remission rates of 70% are reported for patients with metastatic disease. The Southeastern Regional Trophoblastic Disease Center of Duke University has reviewed its experience with the treatment of cerebral metastases from choriocarcinoma. Fourteen patients were identified as having cerebral metastases from a group of more than 500 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) other than primary hydatidiform mole. The remission rate of 50% (7/14) was achieved by vigorous, multiagent chemotherapy and combined cerebral irradiation therapy. This series of patients is reviewed with regard to diagnosis, details of multiagent chemotherapy with cerebral irradiation, complications, and survival. The key factors for successful outcome seem to be early diagnosis and vigorous therapy.