Recent advances and applications of radiation therapy for brain metastases Review


Authors: Mathis, N. J.; Wijetunga, N. A.; Imber, B. S.; Pike, L. R. G.; Yang, J. T.
Review Title: Recent advances and applications of radiation therapy for brain metastases
Abstract: Purpose of Review: Radiation therapy (RT) is a mainstay of treatment for brain metastases from solid tumors. Treatment of these patients is complex and should focus on minimizing symptoms, preserving functional status, and prolonging survival. Recent Findings: Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) can lead to toxicity, and while it does reduce recurrence in the CNS, this has not been shown to provide a survival benefit. Recent advances focus on reducing the toxicity of WBRT or using more targeted radiation therapy. New paradigms including the use of proton RT for leptomeningeal metastases (LM) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) before craniotomy hold promise in improving treatment efficacy and reducing toxicity. Summary: Omission or replacement of WBRT is often safe and the use of SRS is expanding to include patients with more lesions and preoperative RT. Proton RT holds promise for LM. Progress is being made in improving patient-centered outcomes and reducing toxicity for patients with brain metastases. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Keywords: radiation therapy; stereotactic radiosurgery; brain metastases; craniospinal irradiation; whole-brain radiotherapy; proton craniospinal irradiation
Journal Title: Current Oncology Reports
Volume: 24
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1523-3790
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 2022-03-01
Start Page: 335
End Page: 342
Language: English
DOI: 10.1007/s11912-022-01209-z
PUBMED: 35133614
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jonathan T Yang
    166 Yang
  2. Brandon Stuart Imber
    214 Imber
  3. Luke R. Pike
    65 Pike
  4. Noah Mathis
    15 Mathis