Neuro-Oncology: [Comment] Stereotactic radiosurgery for more than four brain metastases

Monday, March 31, 2014

[Comment] Stereotactic radiosurgery for more than four brain metastases

The Lancet Oncology

Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) had been the standard treatment for patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases, irrespective of histology and number of tumours. In view of the concerns about neurocognitive and memory deficits after WBRT, attempts have been made to treat patients with one to four brain metastases using stereotactic radiosurgery alone. showed superior retention of neurocognitive function assessed by the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). The current American Society for Radiation Oncology evidence-based guideline for newly diagnosed brain metastases supports the use of stereotactic radiosurgery alone for patients with four or fewer tumours.

Original Article: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(14)70076-2/fulltext?rss=yes