Resectable brain metastases

Opportunities and Alternatives of Modern Radiation Oncology and Surgery for the Management of Resectable Brain Metastases

Postsurgical radiotherapy (RT) has been early proven to prevent local tumor recurrence, initially performed with whole brain RT (WBRT). Subsequent to disadvantageous cognitive sequalae for the patient and the broad distribution of modern linear accelerators, focal irradiation of the tumor has omitted WBRT in most cases. In many studies, the effectiveness of local RT of the resection cavity, either as single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or hypo-fractionated stereotactic RT (hFSRT), has been demonstrated to be effective and safe. However, whereas prospective high-level incidence is still lacking on which dose and fractionation scheme is the best choice for the patient, further ablative techniques have come into play. Neoadjuvant SRS (N-SRS) prior to resection combines straightforward target delineation with an accelerated post-surgical phase, allowing an earlier start of systemic treatment or rehabilitation as indicated. In addition, low-energy intraoperative RT (IORT) on the surgical bed has been introduced as another alternative to external beam RT, offering sterilization of the cavity surface with steep dose gradients towards the healthy brain. This consensus paper summarizes current local treatment strategies for resectable brain metastases regarding available data and patient-centered decision-making.

Prognostic assessment in patients operated for brain metastasis from systemic tumors

BACKGROUND

Established models for prognostic assessment in patients with brain metastasis do not stratify for prior surgery. Here we tested the prognostic accuracy of the Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score model in patients operated for BM and explored further prognostic factors.

METHODS

We included 285 patients operated for brain metastasis at the University Hospital Zurich in the analysis. Information on patient characteristics, imaging, staging, peri- and postoperative complications and survival were extracted from the files and integrated into a multivariate Cox hazard model.

RESULTS

The GPA score showed an association with outcome. We further identified residual tumor after surgery (p = 0.007, hazard ratio (HR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.3) steroid use (p = 0.021, HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6) and number of extracranial metastasis sites (p = 0.009, HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.6) at the time of surgery as independent prognostic factors. A trend was observed for postoperative infection of the subarachnoid space (p = 0.102, HR 3.5, 95% CI 0.8-15.7).

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm the prognostic capacity of the GPA score in a cohort of operated patients with brain metastasis. However, extent of resection and steroid use provide additional aid for the prognostic assessment in these patients.

Hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (HSRS) as a salvage treatment for brain metastases failing prior stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)

INTRODUCTION

Various treatment options exist to salvage stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) failures for brain metastases, including repeat SRS and hypofractionated SRS (HSRS). Our objective was to report outcomes specific to salvage HSRS for brain metastases that failed prior HSRS/SRS.

METHODS

Patients treated with HSRS to salvage local failures (LF) following initial HSRS/SRS, between July 2010 and April 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes were the rates of LF, radiation necrosis (RN), and symptomatic radiation necrosis (SRN). Univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) analyses using competing risk regression were performed to identify predictive factors for each endpoint.

RESULTS

120 Metastases in 91 patients were identified. The median clinical follow up was 13.4 months (range 1.1-111.1), and the median interval between SRS courses was 13.1 months (range 3.0-56.5). 115 metastases were salvaged with 20-35 Gy in 5 fractions and the remaining five with a total dose ranging from 20 to 24 Gy in 3-fractions. 67 targets (56%) were postoperative cavities. The median re-treatment target volume and biological effective dose (BED₁₀) was 9.5 cc and 37.5 Gy, respectively. The 6- and 12- month LF rates were 18.9% and 27.7%, for RN 13% and 15.6%, and for SRN were 6.1% and 7.0%, respectively. MVA identified larger re-irradiation volume (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, p = 0.04) and shorter interval between radiosurgery courses (HR 0.93, p < 0.001) as predictors of LF. Treatment of an intact target was associated with a higher risk of RN (HR 2.29, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Salvage HSRS results in high local control rates and toxicity rates that compare favorably to those single fraction SRS re-irradiation experiences reported in the literature.

Metastatic Lesions of the Brain and Spine

Brain and spinal metastases are common in cancer patients and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Continued advancement in the systemic care of cancer has increased the life expectancy of patients, and consequently, the incidence of brain and spine metastasis has increased. There has been an increase in the understanding of oncogenic mutations, and research has also demonstrated spatial and temporal mutations in patients that may drive overall treatment resistance and failure. Combinatory treatments with radiation, surgery, and newer systemic therapies have continued to increase the life expectancy of patients with brain and spine metastases. Given the overall complexity of brain and spine metastases, this chapter aims to give a comprehensive overview and cover important topics concerning brain and spine metastases. This will include the molecular, genetic, radiographic, surgical, and non-surgical treatments of brain and spinal metastases.

Comprehensive Analysis Identifies COL1A1, COL3A1, and POSTN as Key Genes Associated with Brain Metastasis in Patients with Breast Cancer

Objective

Brain metastasis (BM) is associated with a high mortality in patients with breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of BM in BM remain uncertain. The study aims to identify the key genes in BC in relation to BM and to assess their prognostic value.

Methods

Two microarray datasets GSE125989 and GSE100534 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary BC and BM samples. The function enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed. We mapped hub genes into the Kaplan–Meier database for their correlations with BC survival.

Results

Venn diagram analysis showed an overlapped upregulated DEG and 18 overlapped downregulated ones between primary BC and BM samples. We constructed the PPI network, and top 5 hub genes were sorted out according to the node degree, including type I collagen α₁ chain (COL1A1), lumican (LUM), type III collagen α₁ chain (COL3A1), type V collagen α₂ chain (COL5A2), and periosteal protein (POSTN). The Kaplan–Meier database analysis found that COL1A1, COL3A1, and POSTN were significantly correlated with overall survival of BC patients.

Conclusion

The study suggests that COL1A1, COL3A1, and POSTN may be key genes associated with BM in patients with BC.

Where Are We Now and Where Might We Be Headed in Understanding and Managing Brain Metastases in Colorectal Cancer Patients?

OPINION STATEMENT

Compared to liver and lung metastases, brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare and remain poorly investigated despite the anticipated rise in their incidence. CRC patients bearing BM have a dismal prognosis with a median survival of 3-6 months, significantly lower than that of patients with BM from other primary tumors, and of those with metastatic CRC manifesting extracranially. While liver and lung metastases from CRC have more codified treatment strategies, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of BM in CRC, and their management follows the approaches of BM from other solid tumors. Therapeutic strategies are driven by the number and localisation of the lesion, consisting in local treatments such as surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, or whole-brain radiotherapy. Novel treatment modalities are slowly finding their way into this shy unconsented armatorium including immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or a combination of those, among others.This article reviews the pioneering strategies aiming at understanding, diagnosing, and managing this disease, and discusses future directions, challenges, and potential innovations in each of these domains.

HIGHLIGHTS

• With the increasing survival in CRC, brain and other rare/late-onset metastases are rising. • Distal colon/rectal primary location, long-standing progressive lung metastases, and longer survival are risk factors for BM development in CRC. • Late diagnosis and lack of consensus treatment strategies make BM-CRC diagnosis very dismal. • Liquid biopsies using circulating tumor cells might offer excellent opportunities in the early diagnosis of BM-CRC and the search for therapeutic options. • Multi-modality treatment including surgical metastatic resection, postoperative SRS with/without WBRT, and chemotherapy is the best current treatment option. • Recent mid-sized clinical trials, case reports, and preclinical models show the potential of unconventional therapeutic approaches as monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Graphical abstract.

Primary Tumor Resection Provides Survival Benefits for Patients with Synchronous Brain Metastases from Colorectal Cancer

Background: Brain metastases (BMs), particularly synchronous brain metastases, in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are uncommon. The survival benefit of primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is controversial. Whether PTR can bring survival benefits to patients with BMs of CRC has not been reported. Methods: From 2010 to 2016, 581 CRC patients with BMs from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were divided into PTR and non-PTR groups. The log-rank test was used to compare the survival distributions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. By controlling additional prognostic factors, a Cox proportional multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the survival benefit of PTR. Results: The median overall survival for CRC patients with synchronous BMs was 3 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 27.2% and a 2-year survival rate of 12.8%. The PTR group contained 171 patients (29.4%), whereas the non-PTR group had 410 patients (70.6%). Patients who underwent PTR had a 1-year survival rate of 40.2% compared to 21.7% in those who did not (p < 0.0001). Cox proportional analysis showed that patients ≥60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.718, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.423−2.075, p < 0.0001) had a shorter OS than patients < 60 years of age. OS was better in CEA-negative than in CEA-positive patients (HR 0.652, 95% CI 0.472−0.899, p = 0.009). Patients in whom the primary tumor was removed had considerably improved prognoses (HR 0.654, 95% CI 0.531−0.805, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the PTR group achieved a survival advantage except for patients with CEA negative. Conclusions: Patients with synchronous BMs from CRC may benefit from primary tumor resection (PTR). Age, CEA level, and PTR were independent prognostic risk factors for CRC patients with synchronous BMs.

The Impact of Postoperative Tumor Burden on Patients With Brain Metastases

Background

Brain metastases were considered to be well-defined lesions, but recent research points to infiltrating behavior. Impact of postoperative residual tumor burden (RTB) and extent of resection are still not defined enough.

Patients and Methods

Adult patients with surgery of brain metastases between April 2007 and January 2020 were analyzed. Early postoperative MRI (<72 h) was used to segment RTB. Survival analysis was performed and cutoff values for RTB were revealed. Separate (subgroup) analyses regarding postoperative radiotherapy, age, and histopathological entities were performed.

Results

A total of 704 patients were included. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 487/704 (69.2%) patients, median preoperative tumor burden was 12.4 cm³ (IQR 5.2–25.8 cm³), median RTB was 0.14 cm³ (IQR 0.0–2.05 cm³), and median postoperative tumor volume of the targeted BM was 0.0 cm³ (IQR 0.0–0.1 cm³). Median overall survival was 6 months (IQR 2–18). In multivariate analysis, preoperative KPSS (HR 0.981982, 95% CI, 0.9761–0.9873, p < 0.001), age (HR 1.012363; 95% CI, 1.0043–1.0205, p = 0.0026), and preoperative (HR 1.004906; 95% CI, 1.0003–1.0095, p = 0.00362) and postoperative tumor burden (HR 1.017983; 95% CI; 1.0058–1.0303, p = 0.0036) were significant. Maximally selected log rank statistics showed a significant cutoff for RTB of 1.78 cm³ (p = 0.0022) for all and 0.28 cm³ (p = 0.0047) for targeted metastasis and cutoff for the age of 67 years (p < 0.001). (Stereotactic) Radiotherapy had a significant impact on survival (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

RTB is a strong predictor for survival. Maximal cytoreduction, as confirmed by postoperative MRI, should be achieved whenever possible, regardless of type of postoperative radiotherapy.

Role of Pre-Operative Brain Imaging in Patients with NSCLC Stage I: A Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis

Simple Summary

Lung cancer is the worldwide leading cause of cancer-related death among both genders, with about 230,000 patients/year being diagnosed in the US alone. It accounts for about 40% of all brain metastases, which already occur in around 3% of early-stage patients. Nonetheless, current international guidelines do not unanimously recommend brain imaging for use in the early stages of cancer. Some studies have suggested that surgical or radiosurgical treatment of brain metastases may provide better survival, especially in asymptomatic patients. Additionally, advances in genome analysis have identified molecular targets for pharmaceutical agents. These recent advancements in treatment stress the importance of studying incidence as well as patient and tumor characteristics in order to potentially adapt future guidelines and provide the best possible treatment for early-stage lung cancer. This multicentric study analyzed the data of 577 patients diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer who had been submitted for brain imaging at initial tumor staging.

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is the worldwide leading oncological cause of death in both genders combined and accounts for around 40–50% of brain metastases in general. In early-stage lung cancer, the incidence of brain metastases is around 3%. Since the early detection of asymptomatic cerebral metastases is of prognostic value, the aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of brain metastases in early-stage lung cancer and identify possible risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicentric analysis of patients with Stage I (based on T and N stage only) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) who had received preoperative cerebral imaging in the form of contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. Patients with a history of NSCLC, synchronous malignancy, or neurological symptoms were excluded from the study. Analyzed variables were gender, age, tumor histology, cerebral imaging findings, smoking history, and tumor size. Results were expressed as mean with standard deviation or median with range. Results: In total, 577 patients were included in our study. Eight (1.4%) patients were found to have brain metastases in preoperative brain imaging. Tumor histology was adenocarcinoma in all eight cases. Patients were treated with radiotherapy (five), surgical resection (two), or both (one) prior to thoracic surgical treatment. Other than tumor histology, no statistically significant characteristics were found to be predictive of brain metastases. Conclusion: Given the low incidence of brain metastases in patients with clinical Stage I NSCLC, brain imaging in this cohort could be avoided.

Modern possibilities of neurosurgical treatment of brain metastases

Despite significant progress in neuroimaging and introduction of new combined treatments for solid tumors, brain metastases are still adverse factor for overall survival. Brain metastases are diagnosed in 8-10% of patients and associated with extremely poor prognosis. These lesions result focal and general cerebral symptoms. Literature review highlights the current principles of surgical treatment of metastatic brain lesions in patients with solid tumors.

Identification of potential genes related to breast cancer brain metastasis in breast cancer patients

Brain metastases (BMs) usually develop in breast cancer (BC) patients. Thus, the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are of great importance in designing therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent BCBM. The present study attempted to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BCBM. Two datasets (GSE125989 and GSE100534) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases of BC with and without brain metastasis (BM). A total of 146 overlapping DEGs, including 103 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated genes, were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched for functions including extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and collagen catabolic fibril organization. Using protein-protein interaction (PPI) and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis, we identified ten key genes, including LAMA4, COL1A1, COL5A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL5A1, COL5A3, COL6A3, COL6A2, and COL6A1. Additionally, COL5A1, COL4A1, COL1A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 were significantly associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Furthermore, COL6A3, COL5A1, and COL4A1 were potentially correlated with BCBM in human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression. Additionally, the miR-29 family might participate in the process of metastasis by modulating the cancer microenvironment. Based on datasets in the GEO database, several DEGs have been identified as playing potentially important roles in BCBM in BC patients.

Is Molecular Tailored-Therapy Changing the Paradigm for CNS Metastases in Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common tumour spreading to the central nervous system (CNS). The prognosis of patients with CNS metastases depends on several parameters including the molecular assessment of the disease. Although loco-regional treatment remains the best approach, systemic therapies are acquiring a role leading to remarkable long-lasting responses. The efficacy of these compounds diverges between tumours with different molecular assessments. Promising agents under investigation are drugs targeting the HER2 pathways such as tucatinib, neratinib, pyrotinib, trastuzumab deruxtecan. In addition, there are several promising agents under investigation for patients with triple-negative brain metastases (third-generation taxane, etirinotecan, sacituzumab, immune-checkpoint inhibitors) and hormone receptor-positive brain metastases (CDK 4/5, phosphoinositide-3-kinase-mammalian target of rapamycin [PI3K/mTOR] inhibitors). Also, the systemic treatment of leptomeningeal metastases, which represents a very negative prognostic site of metastases, is likely to change as several compounds are under investigation, some with interesting preliminary results. Here we performed a comprehensive review focusing on the current management of CNS metastases according to molecular subtypes, site of metastases (leptomeningeal vs brain), and systemic treatments under investigation.

Navigated 3D Ultrasound in Brain Metastasis Surgery: Analyzing the Differences in Object Appearances in Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Implementation of intraoperative 3D ultrasound (i3D US) into modern neuronavigational systems offers the possibility of live imaging and subsequent imaging updates. However, different modalities, image acquisition strategies, and timing of imaging influence object appearances. We analyzed the differences in object appearances in ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 35 cases of brain metastasis, which were operated in a multimodal navigational setup after intraoperative computed tomography based (iCT) registration. Method: Registration accuracy was determined using the target registration error (TRE). Lesions segmented in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (preMRI) and i3D US were compared focusing on object size, location, and similarity. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the TRE was 0.84 ± 0.36 mm. Objects were similar in size (mean ± SD in preMRI: 13.6 ± 16.0 cm3 vs. i3D US: 13.5 ± 16.0 cm3). The Dice coefficient was 0.68 ± 0.22 (mean ± SD), the Hausdorff distance 8.1 ± 2.9 mm (mean ± SD), and the Euclidean distance of the centers of gravity 3.7 ± 2.5 mm (mean ± SD). Conclusion: i3D US clearly delineates tumor boundaries and allows live updating of imaging for compensation of brain shift, which can already be identified to a significant amount before dural opening.

Brain Metastases: A Modern Multidisciplinary Approach

Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial neoplasm and represent a major clinical challenge across many medical disciplines. The incidence of BM is increasing, largely due to improvements in primary disease therapeutics conferring greater systemic control, and advancements in neuroimaging techniques and availability leading to earlier diagnosis. In recent years, the landscape of BM treatment has changed significantly with the advent of personalized targeted chemotherapies and immunotherapy, the adoption of focal radiotherapy (RT) for higher intracranial disease burden, and the implementation of new surgical strategies. The increasing permutations of options available for the treatment of patients diagnosed with BM necessitate coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team. This review discusses the current treatment regimens for BM as well as examines the salient features of a modern multidisciplinary approach.

Initial Approach to the Patient with Multiple Newly Diagnosed Brain Metastases

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumor in adults, with increasing incidence owing to prolonged survival times. Roughly half of patients diagnosed with new brain metastases have greater than 1 brain metastasis at the time of diagnosis, raising the question of how to optimize patient care with multiple brain metastases. The authors review studies relevant to the care of patients with brain metastasis, with emphasis on those relevant to the care of patients with multiple brain metastases. They discuss evolving strategies involving multiple modalities and the benefit of surgical management in patients with a large symptomatic brain metastasis.

Effects of Cancer Stem Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis: Challenges and Solutions

A higher propensity of developing brain metastasis exists in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Upon comparing the metastatic patterns of all breast cancer subtypes, patients with TNBC exhibited increased risks of the brain being the initial metastatic site, early brain metastasis development, and shortest brain metastasis-related survival. Notably, the development of brain metastasis differs from that at other sites owing to the brain-unique microvasculature (blood brain barrier (BBB)) and intracerebral microenvironment. Studies of brain metastases from TNBC have revealed the poorest treatment response, mostly because of the relatively backward strategies to target vast disease heterogeneity and poor brain efficacy. Moreover, TNBC is highly associated with the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to circulating cancer cell survival before BBB extravasation, evasion from immune surveillance, and plasticity in adaptation to the brain-specific microenvironment. We summarized recent literature regarding molecules and pathways and reviewed the effects of CSC biology during the formation of brain metastasis in TNBC. Along with the concept of individualized cancer therapy, certain strategies, namely the patient-derived xenograft model to overcome the lack of treatment-relevant TNBC classification and techniques in BBB disruption to enhance brain efficacy has been proposed in the hope of achieving treatment success.

Stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors

Brain metastasis is the most common type of intracranial tumor affecting a significant proportion of advanced cancer patients. In recent years, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become commonly utilized. It has contributed significantly to decreased toxicity, prolonged quality of life and general improvement in outcomes of patients with brain metastases. Frequent imaging and advanced treatment techniques have allowed for the treatment of more patients with large and numerous metastases extending their overall survival. The addition of targeted therapy and immunotherapy to SRS has introduced novel treatment paradigms and has further improved our ability to effectively treat brain lesions. In this review, we examined in detail the available evidence for the use of SRS alone or in combination with surgery and systemic therapies. Given our developing understanding of the importance of primary tumor histology, the use of different treatment strategies for different metastasis is evolving. Combining SRS with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in breast cancer, lung cancer and melanoma as well as the use of preoperative SRS have shown significant promise in recent years and are investigated in multiple ongoing prospective trials. Further research is needed to guide the optimal sequence of therapies and to identify specific patient subgroups that may benefit the most from aggressive, combined treatment approaches.

Current approaches to the management of brain metastases

Brain metastases are a very common manifestation of cancer that have historically been approached as a single disease entity given the uniform association with poor clinical outcomes. Fortunately, our understanding of the biology and molecular underpinnings of brain metastases has greatly improved, resulting in more sophisticated prognostic models and multiple patient-related and disease-specific treatment paradigms. In addition, the therapeutic armamentarium has expanded from whole-brain radiotherapy and surgery to include stereotactic radiosurgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which are often used sequentially or in combination. Advances in neuroimaging have provided additional opportunities to accurately screen for intracranial disease at initial cancer diagnosis, target intracranial lesions with precision during treatment and help differentiate the effects of treatment from disease progression by incorporating functional imaging. Given the numerous available treatment options for patients with brain metastases, a multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended to personalize the treatment of each patient in an effort to improve the therapeutic ratio. Given the ongoing controversies regarding the optimal sequencing of the available and expanding treatment options for patients with brain metastases, enrolment in clinical trials is essential to advance our understanding of this complex and common disease. In this Review, we describe the key features of diagnosis, risk stratification and modern paradigms in the treatment and management of patients with brain metastases and provide speculation on future research directions.

Risk factors for in-brain local progression in elderly patients after resection of cerebral metastases

Intracranial metastases are the most frequent brain tumor with recurrence rates after treatment of around 40–60%. Age is still considered a determinant of treatment and prognosis in this pathology. Recent studies analyzing the impact of metastasectomy in elderly patients focused on reporting perioperative mortality and morbidity rates but not on the evaluation of oncological outcome parameters. Aim of this study is to determine risk factors for in-brain local recurrence after brain surgery in this sub-population. From October 2009 until September 2016 all patients aged 65 years and above with histopathologically confirmed metastasis after surgical resection were retrospectively studied. Clinical, radiological and perioperative information was collected and statistically analysed. Follow-up consisted of clinical and radiological assessment every 3-months following surgery. 78 patients were included, of these 50% were female (39 patients). Median age was 71 years (66–83). Early postoperative-MRI verified a complete surgical resection in 41 patients (52.6%) and showed a tumor-remnant in 15 patients (19.2%). In 22 patients the MRI result was inconclusive (28.2%). None of the patients experienced severe complications due to surgery. The median postoperative NIHSS was adequate 1 ± 1.4 (0–6), nonetheless, insignificantly improved in comparison to the preoperative NIHSS (p = 0.16). A total of 20 patients (25.6%) presented local recurrence. The only statistically significant factor for development of local in-brain recurrence after resection of cerebral metastases in patients above 65 years of age was a tumor-remnant in the early postoperative MRI (p = 0.00005). Median overall survival was 13 months. Local in-brain recurrence after surgical resection of a cerebral metastasis in patients above 65 years of age was 25.6%. In our analysis, tumor-remnant in early postoperative MRI is the only risk factor for local in-brain recurrence. Oncological parameters in the present cohort do not seem to differ from recent phase III studies with non-geriatric patients. Nevertheless, controlled studies on the impact of metastasectomy in elderly patients delivering high quality reliable data are required.

The role of surgical resection in patients with brain metastases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Treatment of brain metastases represent a critical issue and different options have to be considered according to patients and tumour characteristics; in recent years, new therapeutic strategies have been proposed. In this review, we discuss the role of surgical resection on the basis of patient selection, new surgical techniques and the use of intraoperative adjuncts. The integration with postoperative whole brain radiotherapy will be also outlined because alternative treatment options are currently available.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical removal has been considered the mainstay in the treatment of brain metastases, in selected patients, with limited number of intracranial lesions and controlled primary disease, mainly in combination with whole brain radiotherapy. In the last few years, the increasing role of stereotactic focal radiotherapy has deeply modified the indications to open surgical procedures and whole brain radiotherapy.

SUMMARY

The appearance of brain metastases is considered a sign of bad prognosis. Treatment of these lesions is important for quality of life, providing local tumour control, preventing death from neurological causes and improving survival, although potentially only in a minority of patients. Careful patient selection, with adequate evaluation of clinical prognostic score, the use of appropriate surgical techniques and surgical adjuncts are major determinants of favourable outcome in patients undergoing resection of brain metastases.

Neuro-oncology perspective of treatment options in metastatic breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease. Different subtypes of BC exhibit a peculiar natural history, metastatic potential and outcome. Stereotactic radiosurgery is the most used treatment for brain metastases (BM), while surgery is reserved for large and symptomatic lesions. Whole-brain radiotherapy is employed in multiple BM not amendable to radiosurgery or surgery, and it is not employed any more following local treatments of a limited number of BM. A critical issue is the distinction from pseudoprogression or radionecrosis, and tumor regrowth. Considering the increase of long-term survivors after combined or novel treatments for BM, cognitive dysfunctions following whole-brain radiotherapy represent an issue of utmost importance. Neuroprotective drugs and innovative radiotherapy techniques are being investigated to reduce this risk of cognitive sequelae. Leptomeningeal disease represents a devastating complication, either alone or in association to BM, thus targeted therapies are employed in HER2-positive BC brain and leptomeningeal metastases.

Mechanisms and Therapy for Cancer Metastasis to the Brain

Advances in chemotherapy and targeted therapies have improved survival in cancer patients with an increase of the incidence of newly diagnosed brain metastases (BMs). Intracranial metastases are symptomatic in 60–70% of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium is more sensitive than computed tomography and advanced neuroimaging techniques have been increasingly used in the detection, treatment planning, and follow-up of BM. Apart from the morphological analysis, the most effective tool for characterizing BM is immunohistochemistry. Molecular alterations not always reflect those of the primary tumor. More sophisticated methods of tumor analysis detecting circulating biomarkers in fluids (liquid biopsy), including circulating DNA, circulating tumor cells, and extracellular vesicles, containing tumor DNA and macromolecules (microRNA), have shown promise regarding tumor treatment response and progression. The choice of therapeutic approaches is guided by prognostic scores (Recursive Partitioning Analysis and diagnostic-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment-DS-GPA). The survival benefit of surgical resection seems limited to the subgroup of patients with controlled systemic disease and good performance status. Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) can be a complication, especially in posterior fossa metastases undergoing a “piecemeal” resection. Radiosurgery of the resection cavity may offer comparable survival and local control as postoperative whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). WBRT alone is now the treatment of choice only for patients with single or multiple BMs not amenable to surgery or radiosurgery, or with poor prognostic factors. To reduce the neurocognitive sequelae of WBRT intensity modulated radiotherapy with hippocampal sparing, and pharmacological approaches (memantine and donepezil) have been investigated. In the last decade, a multitude of molecular abnormalities have been discovered. Approximately 33% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and epidermal growth factor receptor mutations develop BMs, which are targetable with different generations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs: gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, icotinib, and osimertinib). Other “druggable” alterations seen in up to 5% of NSCLC patients are the rearrangements of the “anaplastic lymphoma kinase” gene TKI (crizotinib, ceritinib, alectinib, brigatinib, and lorlatinib). In human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, breast cancer targeted therapies have been widely used (trastuzumab, trastuzumab-emtansine, lapatinib-capecitabine, and neratinib). Novel targeted and immunotherapeutic agents have also revolutionized the systemic management of melanoma (ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and BRAF inhibitors dabrafenib and vemurafenib).

[A modern strategy of combined surgical and radiation treatment in patients with brain metastases]

The treatment standards for patients with brain metastases have been developed for several decades. An important element in the evolution of approaches to the treatment of these patients is the development of microsurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and targeted therapy and introduction of these techniques into clinical practice. Surgery is an effective treatment option in patients having single brain metastases and/or occuring in life-threatening clinical situations. Irradiation of the whole brain after surgical treatment is a necessary step in achieving satisfactory local control of intracranial metastatic foci, but the development of neurocognitive disorders and deterioration of life quality after this irradiation necessitate the search for alternative radiotherapy techniques in this clinical situation. Currently, an alternative to postoperative irradiation of the whole brain is stereotactic radiotherapy, which is used before or after surgical treatment. Stereotactic radiotherapy improves local control of intracranial metastatic foci and reduces the risk of neurotoxicity. In this review, we analyze the literature data on outcomes of stereotactic irradiation as a component of combined treatment of patients with metastatic brain lesions.

Brain Metastases from Endometrial Carcinoma: Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Aims and background

Endometrial carcinoma is a rare cause of brain metastases, accounting for less than 1% of all metastatic lesions to the brain. This report aims to review our experience in the treatment of patients with brain metastases from endometrial carcinoma in order to establish the characteristics of these patients and evaluate the results and efficacy of whole-brain radiation therapy as a palliative measure.

Methods

Three cases of brain metastases from endometrial carcinoma treated with radiotherapy were identified in the files of the Division of Radiotherapy at the A. Businco Regional Oncological Hospital of Cagliari between 1999 and 2005.

Results

All patients had brain metastases as the only sign of systemic disease (a single lesion in 2 patients and 2 lesions in 1 patient). Two patients were classified as RTOG RPA class I and 1 patient as class III. Radiotherapy to the brain was delivered after surgical resection in the first 2 patients and as the only method of palliation in the third patient. The delivered radiation dose was 3000 cGy in 10 fractions over 2 weeks in the postoperative setting and 2000 cGy in 5 fractions over 1 week to the patient treated with irradiation alone. The 2 surgically treated patients are alive and well after 16 and 64 months, respectively. The patient treated with palliative intent died 2 months after irradiation.

Conclusions

The combination of surgery and postoperative whole-brain irradiation in selected patients with solitary brain metastases from endometrial carcinoma is an effective method of palliation.

The role of surgery for brain metastases from solid tumors

Surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy including novel targeted therapy strategies and any combination thereof as well as supportive care are the key elements for treatment of brain metastases. Goals of microsurgery are to obtain tissue samples for histologic diagnosis (particularly in case of uncertainty about the unknown primary tumor but also in the context of future targeted therapies), to relieve burden from space-occupying effects, to improve local tumor control, and to prolong overall survival. Complete surgical resection improves local tumor control and may even affect overall survival. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an equal effective alternative for metastases up to 3 cm in diameter, especially in highly eloquent or deep seated location. Gross total resection (as defined by immediate postoperative MRI) does not necessarily have to be combined with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), at least for patients with good performance status and controlled systemic disease. Particularly in cases of incomplete resections, focal irradiation or radiosurgery of the resection cavity or tumor remnant rather than WBRT may be attempted.

Neurocognitive aspects of brain metastasis

Brain metastases are common, occurring in approximately 20% of cancer patients. One of the biggest concerns for these patients and their families is neurocognitive decline. Neurocognitive issues in this patient population are complex and many patients have neurocognitive impairment due to systemic therapies even before they develop brain metastases. The development of brain metastases as well as the treatment of these tumors can cause decline in neurocognitive function. Diffuse treatments such as whole-brain radiotherapy are more frequently associated with neurocognitive decline than focal interventions such as radiosurgery, surgical resection, and implantable chemotherapy wafers. For patients with brain metastases treatment decisions require a multidisciplinary approach, balancing many factors including the neurocognitive impact of treatment and the disease process itself. Finally, to continue to advance the field there needs to be continued utilization, both off and on clinical trial, of performance-based clinical outcome assessments (i.e., neurocognitive tests) to objectively assess and measure the neurocognitive outcomes of these patients.

Brain metastasis in lung cancer

FDG-PET/CT is increasingly used in staging of lung cancer as single „one stop shop” method. Aim, patients, methods: We prospectively included 104 neurological asymptomatic patients (65 years, 26% women) with primary diagnosis of lung cancer. In all patients PET/CT including cerebral imaging and cerebral MRI were performed. Results: Diagnosis of brain metastases (BM) was made by PET/CT in 8 patients only (7.7%), by MRI in 22 (21.2%). In 80 patients both PET/CT and MRI showed no BM. In 6 patients (5.8%) BM were detectable on PET/CT as well as on MRI. Exclusive diagnosis of BM by MRI with negative finding on PET/CT was present in 16 patients (15.4%). 2 patients (1.9%) had findings typical for BM on PET/CT but were negative on MRI. With MRI overall 100 BM were detected, with PET/CT only 17 BM (p < 0.01). For the diagnosis of BM PET/CT showed a sensitivity of 27.3%, specificity of 97.6%, positive predictive value of 75% and negative predictive value of 83.3%. BM diameter on PET/CT and MRI were consistent in 43%, in 57% BM were measured larger on MRI. Discussion: Compared to the gold standard of MRI for cerebral staging a considerable number of patients are falsely diagnosed as free from BM by PET/CT. MRI is more accurate than PET/CT for detecting multiple and smaller BM. Conclusion: In patients with a curative option MRI should be performed additionally to PET/CT for definitive exclusion of brain metastases.

Breast Cancer in the Central Nervous System: Multidisciplinary Considerations and Management

Breast cancer is the second most common primary tumor associated with central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Patients with metastatic HER2-positive or triple-negative (estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative, HER2-negative) breast cancer are at the highest risk of developing parenchymal brain metastases. Leptomeningeal disease is less frequent but is distributed across breast cancer subtypes, including lobular breast cancer. Initial treatment strategies can include surgery, radiation, intravenous or intrathecal chemotherapy, and/or targeted approaches. In this article, we review the epidemiology of breast cancer brain metastases, differences in clinical behavior and natural history by tumor subtype, and important considerations in the multidisciplinary treatment of these patients. We will highlight new findings that impact current standards of care, clinical controversies, and notable investigational approaches in clinical testing.

Resection and Observation for Brain Metastasis without Prompt Postoperative Radiation Therapy

Objective

Total resection without consecutive postoperative whole brain radiation therapy is indicated for patients with a single or two sites of brain metastasis, with close follow-up by serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we explored the effectiveness, usefulness, and safety of this follow-up regimen.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2015, a total of 109 patients (76 males, 33 females) underwent tumor resection as the first treatment for brain metastases (97 patients with single metastases, 12 with two metastases). The mean age was 59.8 years (range 27-80). The location of the 121 tumors in the 109 patients was supratentorial (n=98) and in the cerebellum (n=23). The origin of the primary cancers was lung (n=45), breast (n=17), gastrointestinal tract (n=18), hepatobiliary system (n=8), kidney (n=7), others (n=11), and unknown origin (n=3). The 121 tumors were totally resected. Follow-up involved regular clinical and MRI assessments. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after tumor resection were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods based on clinical prognostic factors.

Results

During the follow-up, MRI scans were done for 85 patients (78%) with 97 tumors. Fifty-six of the 97 tumors showed no recurrence without adjuvant local treatment, representing a numerical tumor recurrence-free rate of 57.7%. Mean and median RFS was 13.6 and 5.3 months, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the cerebellar location of the tumor as the only statistically significant prognostic factor related to RFS (p=0.020). Mean and median OS was 15.2 and 8.1 months, respectively. There were no significant prognostic factors related to OS. The survival rate at one year was 8.2% (9 of 109).

Conclusion

With close and regular clinical and image follow-up, initial postoperative observation without prompt postoperative radiation therapy can be applied in patients of brain metastasi(e)s when both the tumor(s) are completely resected.

Intraoperative 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced photodynamic diagnosis of metastatic brain tumors with histopathological analysis

BACKGROUND

Fluorescence-guided surgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a promising real-time navigation method in the surgical resection of malignant gliomas. In order to determine whether this method is applicable to metastatic brain tumors, we evaluated the usefulness of intraoperative fluorescence patterns and histopathological features in patients with metastatic brain tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 16 patients with metastatic brain tumors who underwent intraoperative 5-ALA fluorescence-guided resection. Patients were given 20 mg/kg of 5-ALA orally 2 h prior to the surgery. High-powered excitation illumination and a low-pass filter (420, 450, or 500 nm) were used to visualize the fluorescence of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), the 5-ALA metabolite. We evaluated the relationships between the fluorescence and histopathological findings in both tumoral and peritumoral brain tissue.

RESULTS

Tumoral PpIX fluorescence was seen in only 5 patients (31%); in the remaining 11 patients (69%), there was no fluorescence in the tumor bulk itself. In 14 patients (86%), vague fluorescence was seen in peritumoral brain tissue, at a thickness of 2-6 mm. The histopathological examination found cancer cell invasion of adjacent brain tissue in 75% of patients (12/16), at a mean ± SD depth of 1.4 ± 1.0 mm (range 0.2-3.4 mm) from the microscopic border of the tumor. There was a moderate correlation between vague fluorescence in adjacent brain tissue and the depth of cancer cell invasion (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Peritumoral fluorescence may be a good intraoperative indicator of tumor extent, preceding more complete microscopic gross total resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Institutional Review Board of Osaka Medical College No. 42, registered February 17, 1998, and No. 300, registered April 1, 2008. They were retrospectively registered.

Diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases from solid tumors: guidelines from the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO)

The management of patients with brain metastases has become a major issue due to the increasing frequency and complexity of the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In 2014, the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO) created a multidisciplinary Task Force to draw evidence-based guidelines for patients with brain metastases from solid tumors. Here, we present these guidelines, which provide a consensus review of evidence and recommendations for diagnosis by neuroimaging and neuropathology, staging, prognostic factors, and different treatment options. Specifically, we addressed options such as surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy, whole-brain radiotherapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy (with particular attention to brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma and breast and renal cancer), and supportive care.

Diagnostic impact of integrated 18F-FDG PET/MRI in cerebral staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Background Integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) systems are increasingly being available and used for staging examinations. Brain metastases (BM) are frequent in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and decisive for treatment strategy. Purpose To assess the diagnostic value of integrated 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D glucose (18F-FDG) PET/MRI in initial staging in patients with NSCLC for BM in comparison to MRI alone. Material and Methods Eighty-three patients were prospectively enrolled for an integrated 18F-FDG PET/MRI examination. The 3 T MRI protocol included a fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery sequence (FLAIR) and a contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetization prepared rapid acquisition GRE sequence (MPRAGE). Two neuroradiologists evaluated the datasets in consensus regarding: (i) present lesions; (ii) size of lesions; and (iii) number of lesions detected in MRI alone, compared to the PET component when reading the 18F-FDG PET/MRI. Results Based on MRI alone, BM were detected in 15 out of the 83 patients, comprising a total of 39 metastases. Based on PET alone, six patients out of the 83 patients were rated positive for metastatic disease, revealing a total of 15 metastases. PET detected no additional BM. The size of the BM correlated positively with sensitivity of detection in PET. Conclusion The sensitivity of PET in detection of BM depends on their size. 18F-FDG PET/MRI does not lead to an improvement in diagnostic accuracy in cerebral staging of NSCLC patients, as MRI alone remains the gold standard.

Treatment of brain metastasis: current status and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to highlight the most recent advances in the management of brain metastases.

RECENT FINDINGS

Role of local therapies (surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery), new approaches to minimize cognitive sequelae following whole-brain radiotherapy and advances in targeted therapies have been reviewed.

SUMMARY

The implications for clinical trials and daily practice of the increasing use of stereotactic radiosurgery in multiple brain metastases and upfront targeted agents in asymptomatic brain metastases are discussed.

Brain metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma: Changing concepts for improving patients' outcome

The management of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases is challenging, as this frequent complication negatively impacts patients' quality of life, and can be a life-threatening event. Through a review of the literature, we discuss the main therapeutic options and the recent developments that improved (and complicated) the management of NSCLC brain metastases patients. Most current validated approaches are local with exclusive or combined surgery, whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). At the same time, there is a growing role for systemic treatments that might significantly postpone WBRT. Targeted therapies efficacy/toxicity profile remains to be defined but predictive and prognostic molecular factors integration could help to select treatments fully adapted to life expectancy and progression risk.

Treatment of brain metastases

BACKGROUND

Brain metastases are a very common neurological sequela in cancer patients. The ability of current anti-cancer therapies to prolong overall survival is beleaguered by this development in the case of a number of different cancers. This review provides a general overview of relevant treatment modalities, highlights major decision strategies used in selecting the optimal treatment algorithm and summarizes important steps necessary before initiating therapy.

METHODS

A PubMed database search was done to identify publications describing the treatment of brain metastases including surgery, radiotherapy and symptomatic care.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Patient performance status and extent of disease play the most important roles in selecting between an aggressive or more conservative approach. As several other options are available, treatment decisions should be made in cooperation with multiple medical specialties and the involvement of multidisciplinary teams. In the future, brain metastases could become less of a treatment obstacle than they are today.

Radiotherapy management of brain metastases using conventional linear accelerator

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As treatments for primary cancers continue to improve life expectancy, unfortunately, brain metastases also appear to be constantly increasing and life expectancy for patients with brain metastases is low. Longer survival and improved quality of life may be achieved using localised radiological and surgical approaches in addition to low dose corticosteroids. Stereotactic brain radiotherapy is one rapidly evolving localized radiation treatment. This article describes our experience with stereotactic radiotherapy using a linear accelerator.

METHODS

We reviewed patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy, from the time of its introduction into daily practice in our Department of Oncology in 2014. We collected the data on patient treatment and predicted survival based on prognostic indices and actual patient outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 10 patients were treated by stereotactic radiotherapy, in one case in combination with whole brain radiotherapy and hippocampal sparing. There was no significant treatment related toxicity during the treatment or follow-up and due to the small number of fractions, the overall tolerance of the treatment was excellent. The patient intrafractional movement in all cases was under 1 mm suggesting that 1 mm margin around the CTV to create the PTV is sufficient and also that patient immobilization using the thermoplastic mask compared with invasive techniques, is feasible. We also found that prognostic indices such as the Graded Prognostic Assessment provide accurate predictions of patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our current evidence, patients with brain metastases fit enough, should be considered for stereotactic radiotherapy treatment.

[Overall survival and intracranial relapse in patients with brain metastases after gamma knife radiosurgery alone]

The study purpose was to evaluate the impact of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) alone on the overall survival and rate of intracranial recurrences in brain metastasis patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Treatment outcomes in 502 patients (211 males and 291 females with 2782 brain metastases (BMs)) were retrospectively reviewed. Most patients (n=142; 28.2%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. Multiple BMs were detected in 259 patients (51.6%). The median of the total tumor volume and ВM number was 5.9 cm3 (0.09-44.5 cm3) and 4 (1-36), respectively. The mean marginal radiation dose was 21 Gy (15-24 Gy). The mean follow-up period was 10.6 months (0.2-47.2 months).

RESULTS

The overall survival rate for 12 and 24 months was 37.6 and 19.1%, respectively. The median overall survival after GKRS was 8.6 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.0-10.0). Local control of metastatic lesions was achieved in 78.8% of patients. The median local recurrence-free survival was 6.8 months after radiosurgery. The development of new (distant) metastases was observed in 49.5% of patients. The median distant metastasis-free time was 8.8 months. The Karnofsky performance score (KPS) of ≥80 (HR 0.3935, 95% CI 0.2429-0.6376; p=0.0002), BM number of <3 (HR 0.6138, 95% CI 0.3993-0.9943; p=0.0269), and BMs of breast and lung cancers (HR 0.5442, 95% CI 0.3642-0.8071; p=0.0027) are predictors of better survival. In the case of intracranial metastasis recurrence, repeated radiosurgery provides the median overall survival of 19.6 months versus 9.6 months in patients without radiosurgery (HR 0.4026, 95% CI 0.2381-0.6809).

CONCLUSION

Radiosurgical treatment of patients with multiple BMs provides the median overall survival of 8.6 months. A good functional status, non-extensive metastasis of the brain, and radiosensitive morphology of the primary tumor are the predictors of better survival. Repeated radiosurgical treatment for intracranial recurrences provides longer overall survival compared to that in patients without repeated radiosurgical treatment.

Colorectal cancer: Metastases to a single organ

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy worldwide. In CRC patients, metastases are the main cause of cancer-related mortality. In a group of metastatic CRC patients, the metastases are limited to a single site (solitary organ); the liver and lungs are the most commonly involved sites. When metastatic disease is limited to the liver and/or lungs, the resectability of the metastatic lesions will dictate the management approach and the outcome. Less commonly, the site of solitary organ CRC metastasis is the peritoneum. In these patients, cytoreduction followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may improve the outcome. Rarely, CRC involves other organs, such as the brain, bone, adrenals and spleen, as the only site of metastatic disease. There are limited data to guide clinical practice in these cases. Here, we have reviewed the disease characteristics, management approaches and prognosis based on the metastatic disease site in patients with CRC with metastases to a single organ.

Volumetric Analysis of F-18-FET-PET Imaging for Brain Metastases

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of exact tumor margins is of importance for the treating neurosurgeon, radiotherapist, and oncologist alike. The aim of this study was to investigate whether tumor volume and tumor margins acquired by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are congruent with the findings acquired by O-(2-(18F)-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine-positron emission tomography (FET-PET).

METHODS

Patients received FET-PET and MRI before surgery for brain metastases. Metastases were quantified by calculating tumor-to-background uptake ratios using FET uptake. PET and MRI-based tumor volumes, as well as areas of intersection, were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The maximum tumor-to-background uptake ratio measured in all of our patients harboring histologically proven viable tumor tissue was >1.6. Absolute tumor volumes acquired by FET-PET and MRI were not congruent in our patient cohort, and tumors identified in FET-PET and MRI only partially overlapped. The ratio of intersection (intersection of tumor defined by MRI and tumor defined by FET-PET at the ratio of tumor defined by FET-PET) was within a range of 0.27-0.68 when applying the different thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study therefore indicates that treatment planning based on MRI or PET only might have a substantial risk of undertreatment at the tumor margins. These findings could have important implications for the planning of surgery as well as radiotherapy, although they have to be validated in further studies.

Tumor progression in patients receiving adjuvant whole-brain radiotherapy vs localized radiotherapy after surgical resection of brain metastases

BACKGROUND

Surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy is a well-established treatment paradigm for brain metastases.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of postsurgical whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or localized radiotherapy (LRT), including stereotactic radiosurgery and intraoperative radiotherapy, on the rate of recurrence both local and distal to the resection site in the treatment of brain metastases.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgery for brain metastasis at the Cleveland Clinic between 2004 and 2012. Institutional review board-approved chart review was conducted, and patients who had radiation before surgery, who had nonmetastatic lesions, or who lacked postadjuvant imaging were excluded.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 212 patients. One hundred fifty-six patients received WBRT, 37 received stereotactic radiosurgery only, and 19 received intraoperative radiotherapy. One hundred forty-six patients were deceased, of whom 60 (41%) died with no evidence of recurrence. Competing risks methodology was used to test the association between adjuvant modality and progression. Multivariable analysis revealed no significant difference in the rate of recurrence at the resection site (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46, P = .26) or of unresected, radiotherapy-treated lesions (HR 1.70, P = .41) for LRT vs WBRT. Patients treated with LRT had an increased hazard of the development of new lesions (HR 2.41, P < .001) and leptomeningeal disease (HR 2.45, P = .04). Median survival was 16.5 months and was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

LRT as adjuvant treatment to surgical resection of brain metastases is associated with an increased rate of development of new distant metastases and leptomeningeal disease compared with WBRT, but not with recurrence at the resection site or of unresected lesions treated with radiation.

Efficacy of surgical treatment for brain metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and simultaneously having brain metastases at the initial diagnosis, presenting symptoms related brain metastasis, survived shorter duration and showed poor quality of life. We analyzed our experiences on surgical treatment of brain metastasis in patients with NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 36 patients with NSCLC and synchronous brain metastases between April 2006 and December 2011. Patients were categorized according to the presence of neurological symptoms and having a brain surgery. As a result, 14 patients did not show neurological symptoms and 22 patients presented neurological symptoms. Symptomatic 22 patients were divided into two groups according to undergoing brain surgery (neurosurgery group; n=11, non-neurosurgery group; n=11). We analyzed overall surgery (OS), intracranial progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life.

RESULTS

Survival analysis showed there was no difference between patients with neurosurgery (OS, 12.1 months) and non-neurosurgery (OS, 10.2 months; p=0.550). Likewise for intracranial PFS, there was no significant difference between patients with neurosurgery (PFS, 6.3 months) and non-neurosurgery (PFS, 5.3 months; p=0.666). Reliable neurological one month follow up by the Medical Research Council neurological function evaluation scale were performed in symptomatic 22 patients. The scale improved in eight (73%) patients in the neurosurgery group, but only in three (27%) patients in the non-neurosurgery group (p=0.0495).

CONCLUSION

Patients with NSCLC and synchronous brain metastases, presenting neurological symptoms showed no survival benefit from neurosurgical resection, although quality of life was improved due to early control of neurological symptoms.

Surgery or radiosurgery plus whole brain radiotherapy versus surgery or radiosurgery alone for brain metastases

BACKGROUND

The benefits of adding upfront whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) to surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) when compared to surgery or SRS alone for treatment of brain metastases are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and safety of surgery or SRS plus WBRT with that of surgery or SRS alone for treatment of brain metastases in patients with systemic cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to May 2013 and annual meeting proceedings of ASCO and ASTRO up to September 2012 for relevant studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgery or SRS plus WBRT with surgery or SRS alone for treatment of brain metastases.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors undertook the quality assessment and data extraction. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes include progression free survival (PFS), local and distant intracranial disease progression, neurocognitive function (NF), health related quality of life (HRQL) and neurological adverse events. Hazard ratios (HR), risk ratio (RR), confidence intervals (CI), P-values (P) were estimated with random effects models using Revman 5.1 MAIN RESULTS: We identified five RCTs including 663 patients with one to four brain metastases. The risk of bias associated with lack of blinding was high and impacted to a greater or lesser extent on the quality of evidence for all of the outcomes. Adding upfront WBRT decreased the relative risk of any intracranial disease progression at one year by 53% (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.66, P value < 0.0001, I(2) =34%, Chi(2) P value = 0.21, low quality evidence) but there was no clear evidence of a difference in  OS (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.48, P value = 0.47, I(2) = 52%, Chi(2) P value = 0.08, low quality evidence) and PFS (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.10, P value = 0.14, I(2) = 16%, Chi(2) P value = 0.28, low quality evidence). Subgroup analyses showed that the effects on overall survival were similar regardless of types of focal therapy used, number of brain metastases, dose and sequence of WBRT. The evaluation of the impact of upfront WBRT on NF, HRQL and neurological adverse events was limited by the unclear and high risk of reporting, performance and detection bias, and inconsistency in the instruments and methods used to measure and report results across studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low quality evidence that adding upfront WBRT to surgery or SRS decreases any intracranial disease progression at one year. There was no clear evidence of an effect on overall and progression free survival. The impact of upfront WBRT on neurocognitive function, health related quality of life and neurological adverse events was undetermined due to the high risk of performance and detection bias, and inconsistency in the instruments and methods used to measure and report results across studies.

Postoperative ischemic changes following brain metastasis resection as measured by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

Object

Brain metastases occur in 10% to 40% of patients harboring cancer. In cases of neurosurgical metastasis resection, all postoperative neurological deterioration should be avoided. Reasons for postoperative deficits can be direct tissue damage due to resection, hemorrhage, venous congestive infarcts, or arterial ischemic events leading to tissue infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative ischemic infarctions occur in surgery for brain metastasis and to determine their influence on new postoperative neurological deficits.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of brain metastases and had preoperative and early postoperative (within 48 hours) MRI scans, including diffusion-weighted imaging sequences and apparent diffusion coefficient maps, between January 2009 and May 2012 were included in this study. Clinical and histopathological data (histopathological results, pre- and postoperative neurological status, and previous tumor-specific therapy) were recorded.

Results

One hundred twenty-two patients (56 male, 66 female) who underwent resection of brain metastases were included. The patients' mean age was 60 years (range 21–89 years). The mean time span from initial tumor diagnosis to resection of brain metastasis was 44 months (range 0–338 months). The mean preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status was 80% (exact mean 76% ± 17% [SD]), and the mean postoperative value was 80% (exact mean 78% ± 17%). Twelve (9.8%) of the 122 patients had postoperative permanent worsening of a neurological deficit or a new permanent neurological deficit; 44 (36.1%) of the 122 patients had postoperative ischemic lesions. When comparing patients with and without previous brain irradiation, 53.8% of patients with previous brain irradiation had ischemic lesions on postoperative imaging compared with 31.3% of patients without previous brain irradiation (p = 0.033). There was a significant association between ischemia and postoperative neurological status deterioration (transient or permanent); 13 (29.5%) of 44 patients with ischemic lesions had deterioration of their neurological status compared with 7 (9%) of the 78 patients who did not have ischemic lesions (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a high prevalence of vascular incidents in patients undergoing resection for metastatic brain disease. Patients harboring postoperative ischemic lesions detected by MRI have a higher rate of neurological deficits (transient or permanent). Patients who had previous irradiation therapy are at higher risk of developing postoperative ischemic lesions. A large number of postoperative neurological deficits are caused by ischemic incidents.

A comparison between cyberknife and neurosurgery in solitary brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of cyberknife (CK) and neurosurgery (NS) in patients newly diagnosed as solitary brain metastasis (SBM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients between 1990 and 2012 from our institution, including 38 patients performing CK and the other half performing NS. The observation end point was overall survival time (OS), local control of treated metastasis (LC) and intracranial control (IC). Kaplan-Meier OS curves were compared with the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was used to determine prognosticators for OS, LC and IC.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristic between the two groups was not significantly different. The 1-year OS rates were 53.5% and 30.5% in the CK group and NS group, respectively, (p=0.121). The 1-year LC rates were 50.8% and 31.3%, respectively, (p=0.078). The 1-year IC rates were 50.8% and 27.7%, respectively, (p=0.066). In multivariate analysis, improved OS was significantly associated with younger age (p=0.016), better ECOG performance status (p=0.000) and graded prognostic assessment (GPA, 3.5-4.0, p=0.006). The LC was also associated with better ECOG performance status (p=0.000). The IC was associated with both better ECOG performance status (p=0.000) and GPA (3.5-4.0, p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistical difference between CK and NS for SBM from NSCLC in OS, LC and IC. However, CK is less invasive and may be more acceptable for patients. The result needs randomized trials to confirm and further study.

CyberKnife therapy of 24 multiple brain metastases from lung cancer: A case report

Brain metastasis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and a critical complication of non-central nervous system primary carcinoma. The present study describes the clinical case of a 46-year-old male with lung cancer and life-threatening brain metastases. The patient was diagnosed with lung cancer with a clinical stage of T2N0M1 (stage IV). Six months after the initial diagnosis and administration of conformal radiotherapy combined with three cycles of chemotherapy, an enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed abnormalities with double-dosing of intravenous contrast. The CT scan identified >24 lesions scattered in the whole brain. The patient was treated with three-fraction Cyberknife radiotherapy at 22 Gy, delivered to the brain metastases at the Center for Tumor Treatment of People's Liberation Army 107th Hospital. Following CyberKnife therapy, a CT scan of the brain revealed that most of the tumors had disappeared with almost no residual traces. The stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) conducted using CyberKnife, an image-guided frameless robotic technology for whole-body radiosurgery, had produced a marked response. The present case report demonstrates that CyberKnife therapy plays a significant role in the management of multiple meta-static brain tumors.

Progress in the biological understanding and management of breast cancer-associated central nervous system metastases

Metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) is a devastating neurological complication of systemic cancer. Brain metastases from breast cancer have been documented to occur in approximately 10%-16% of cases over the natural course of the disease with leptomeningeal metastases occurring in approximately 2%-5% of cases of breast cancer. CNS metastases among women with breast cancer tend to occur among those who are younger, have larger tumors, and have a more aggressive histological subtype such as the triple negative and HER2-positive subtypes. Treatment of CNS metastases involves various combinations of whole brain radiation therapy, surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and chemotherapy. We will discuss the progress made in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer-associated CNS metastases and will delve into the biological underpinnings of CNS metastases including evaluating the role of breast tumor subtype on the incidence, natural history, prognostic outcome, and impact of therapeutic efficacy.

Surgery for brain metastases

The use of surgery in the treatment of brain metastases is controversial. Patients who present certain clinical characteristics may experience prolonged survival with resection compared with radiation therapy. Thus, for patients with a single metastatic lesion in the setting of well-controlled systemic cancer, surgery is highly indicated. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone can provide a similar survival advantage, but when used as postoperative adjuvant therapy, patients experience extended survival times. Furthermore, surgery remains the only treatment option for patients with life-threatening neurological symptoms, who require immediate tumor debulking. Treatment of brain metastases requires a careful clinical assessment of individual patients, as different prognostic factors may indicate various modes or combinations of therapy. Since surgery is an effective method for achieving tumor management in particular cases, it remains an important consideration in the treatment algorithm for brain metastases.