Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases: Evolution or Revolution?
review · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 29272161.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1200/JCO.2017.75.9589 and PMC identifier 6075843.
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Abstract
An estimated 20% of patients with cancer will develop brain metastases. Approximately 200,000 individuals in the United States alone receive whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) each year to treat brain metastases. Historically, the prognosis of patients with brain metastases has been poor; however, with new therapies, this is changing. Because patients are living longer following the diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases, there has been rising concern about treatment-related toxicities associated with WBRT, including neurocognitive toxicity. In addition, recent clinical trials have raised questions about the use of WBRT. To better understand this rapidly changing landscape, this review outlines the treatment roles and toxicities of WBRT and alternative therapies for the management of brain metastases.
Medical subject headings
- Brain Neoplasms