Radiotherapy Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Radiotherapy, including details on cancer treatment, side effects.

Role of stereotactic radiosurgery as a primary treatment option in the management of newly diagnosed multiple (3-6) intracranial metastases.

Jawahar A, Shaya M, Campbell P, Ampil F, Willis BK, Smith D, Nanda A

Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA. ajawah@lsuhsc.edu

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the role of stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of newly diagnosed multiple intracranial metastases from known primary cancer locations. METHODS: Fifty (29 women and 21 men) patients received radiosurgery for newly diagnosed 3 or more metastatic brain tumors. Their mean age was 53 years. Lung cancer was the most common primary cancer (66%). RESULTS: Arrest in the growth of irradiated tumors was achieved in 41 (82%) patients. Eight patients (16%) required further intervention for tumors in other brain locations. Mean survival after diagnosis of brain disease was 12 months and the brain disease-controlled period was 19 months. The period of brain disease control prolonged (P=.03) with decreasing tumor volumes (<10 mL). Control of treated tumors positively affected survival after diagnosis of brain disease (P=.0001). CONCLUSION: Radiosurgery as an adjuvant improves survival in patients with cancer who have newly diagnosed multiple intracranial metastases by arresting the growth of tumors.

Published 15 August 2005 in Surg Neurol, 64(3): 207-12.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Radiotherapy Research Today. All Rights Reserved.