Aims: The role of selected treatments for brain metastases (BM) is well documented; however, the prevalence of these is not. We report on the patterns of care in the management of BM in a large oncology centre.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively audited 236 cases of newly diagnosed BM from January 2016 to December 2017 by looking at 2 years of radiology reports and gathered data on primary site, survival, treatment received, palliative care input and brain metastases-related admissions.
Results: Eighty-two per cent of cases were related to lung, breast and melanoma primaries. Half of patients received a form of treatment with the other half receiving best supportive care. Of these, whole-brain radiotherapy (39%) and stereotactic radiosurgery (40%) were the most common treatment modalities. Most common reasons for admissions were headaches, seizures, weakness and confusion.
Conclusion: This is the first study in the UK that gives an in-depth overview of the real-world management of brain metastases. We have demonstrated the prevalence of treatment across the spectrum of brain metastases patients. Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment in nearly 80% of cases; however, care needs to be taken in ensuring that SRS is offered to those who are suitable.
Keywords: brain metastases; multidisciplinary working; palliative care; stereotactic radiosurgery.
© 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.