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Stereotactic radiosurgery alone for limited brain metastases: are we ready for prime time?


Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has traditionally been the standard treatment for brain metastases [1]. More recently, patients with limited brain metastases are being offered stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), with or without WBRT, in an attempt to improve survival and functional outcomes. A recent editorial has suggested that the sun is setting on WBRT and SRS is rising to be the standard of care [2]. This editorial summarizes the data from individual international randomized trials and a meta-analysis regarding the role of SRS in patients with limited brain metastases, and will focus on its role as a definitive therapy.

For patients with limited brain metastases, definitive local therapy in addition to WBRT has been demonstrated to improve local control and overall survival compared with WBRT alone [3–5]. In the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9508 trial, patients with 1–3 new brain metastases were randomized to WBRT alone or WBRT plus SRS.

Click here to read the full article in our partner journal CNS Oncology.

You can also view our webinar on this topic with author and Oncology Central Ambassador Arjun Sahgal by clicking here.