TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Oncologic Emergencies A1 - Rowe, Julie H. A1 - Gonzalez, Anneliese O. A1 - Jafri, Syed H. A1 - Cen, Putao A1 - Kanaan, Zeyad A1 - Amato, Robert J. A1 - Rios, Adan A1 - El-Osta, Hazem A1 - Mohlere, Virginia Y1 - 2019 N1 - T2 - Hematology-Oncology Clinical Questions AB - Table Graphic Jump Location|Download (.pdf)|PrintKey conceptBrain metastases are common sequelae of solid tumors (lung, breast, melanoma, renal, and colorectal). Lung cancer has the highest number of brain metastases; however, melanoma has the highest propensity to metastasize to brain. Although their exact incidence is unknown, about 8%–10% of patients with cancer will manifest brain metastasis, with an expected growing incidence as a function of increased life expectancy.1,2Management is primarily local, owing to limited penetration of most systemic agents through the blood-brain barrier. The historical standard of care (whole-brain radiation therapy [WBRT]) is being rapidly replaced by focal techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and surgical resection, alone or in combination.1,3Clinical scenarioA 48-year-old woman with a history of stage 2 triple-negative (ER– PR– Her-2-Neu–) breast cancer treated 3 years prior presents with headache and seizure. Imaging demonstrates a solitary 2-cm lesion in the left motor cortex.Action itemsAssess prognosis; although the historical expected survival duration for patients with brain metastases is <1 year, at present multiple factors are used to assess prognosis, including the extent of intracranial disease (number and volume of metastases)the extent of extracranial disease (primary site control and/or presence of extracranial metastases)histology and radiosensitivityperformance status1,3A customized treatment plan should be tailored for each patient based on the above factors and should be discussed in a multidisciplinary team including medical oncology, radiation oncology, and neurosurgery1,3DiscussionSRS offers a convenient method for the treatment of brain metastases that differs from traditional fractionated WBRT in both scope and adverse-effect profile. Published studies describe local control rates ranging from 70% to 90% for brain tumors smaller than 2 cm, dependent on histology. The control rates are lower for larger lesions, and sometimes a decision is made to combine surgery with SRS for such tumors.1,3SRS is preferred to WBRT due to comparable long-term overall survival,3 as well to decreased neurocognitive decline. Studies, including the most recent North Central Cancer Treatment Group N0574 trial, have demonstrated a decline in cognitive function in patients who received WBRT and SRS versus SRS alone.4 A recently published meta-analysis denoted decreased overall survival for patients receiving WBRT versus SRS alone, presumably due to neurocognitive dysfunction.5Trials are being performed to determine the maximum number of lesions that can safely be treated with SRS. At present, the number is typically 4, but recent series have described a favorable safety profile in treating up to 10 brain metastases.6PearlsSRS is an emerging option for the treatment of brain metastasesPalliative WBRT remains the standard of care for widely disseminated central nervous system disease, leptomeningeal disease, or poor performance status1,3ReferencesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for central nervous system cancers. Version 1.2017. Available at: https://www.nccn.org.Barnholtz-Sloan JS, Sloan AE, Davis FG, et al. Incidence proportions of brain metastases in patients diagnosed (1973 to 2001) in the Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System. J Clin Oncol 2004;22(14):2865-72.Lin X, DeAnglis LM. Treatment of brain metastases. J Clin Oncol 2015;33(30):3475-84.Badiyan SN, Regine WF, Mehta M. Stereotactic radiosurgery for treatment of brain metastases. J Oncol Pract 2016;12(8):703-12.Sahgal R, Aoyama H, Kocher M, et al. Phase ... SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - hemonc.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1162981562 ER -