[Stereotaxic radiotherapy of brain metastases: experiences in Lausanne]

We report the first series of patients treated by stereotactic radiation therapy for brain metastases in Switzerland. From August 1993 to December 1994, 19 patients were treated using a linear accelerator adapted for stereotactic treatment set-up. Most of the patients received combined treatment including external irradiation. The crude overall control rate for brain metastases was 79%. Median survival was 12.2 months. Overall survival at one year was 50 +/- 12%. These data compare reasonably well with the reported median survival of 3-6 months using external cranial irradiation alone. There was no "late toxicity". The data thus indicate that stereotactic radiation therapy combined with external whole brain irradiation appears to increase life expectancy and quality of life in a selected cohort of patients.