Stereotactic radiosurgical treatment of brain metastases

J Neurosurg. 1992 Mar;76(3):444-9. doi: 10.3171/jns.1992.76.3.0444.

Abstract

In a series of 33 patients with reasonably controlled primary cancers, stereotactic radiosurgery was used to treat 52 brain metastases. After a mean radiological follow-up time of 5.5 months, six lesions (12%) had stabilized in size, 26 (50%) were significantly reduced, and 15 (29%) had disappeared. One large melanoma metastasis progressed relentlessly despite treatment. Five lesions (9%) had decreased in size slightly before enlarging. In two of these lesions, biopsy revealed only necrosis. In almost all cases, treatment was associated with decreased peritumoral edema. However, a group of patients with large metastases and extensive prior brain irradiation has been identified in whom prolonged symptomatic cerebral edema poses a problem. It is concluded that radiosurgery is a viable alternative to surgical resection for some cases of brain metastasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiosurgery* / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects