CT of irradiated solid tumor metastases to the brain

Twenty patients with solid tumor metastases to the brain, demonstrated by CT scanning, had follow-up scans after radiation therapy of the metastatic focus. Nine patients (45%) showed no evidence of the metastasis on the initial follow-up scans. Another 10 patients (50%) showed some improvement in the size, enhancement, or surrounding edema of the lesion. Only one patient showed progression in spite of therapy. The CT scan identified those patients who achieved longer survival and/or longer time intervals before brain relapse. However, CT scans must be interpreted with caution in patients still on corticosteroid treatment. Additionally, other non-tumoral conditions may mimic tumor recurrence. Radiation therapy offered palliation in patients with brain metastases, and in some instances, sterilized patients of their metastatic brain involvement.