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Recent Advances and Applications of Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases

  • Neuro-oncology (KS Nevel, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Noah J. Mathis, N. Ari Wijetunga, Brandon S. Imber, Luke R. G. Pike & Jonathan T. Yang

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  1. Noah J. Mathis
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  2. N. Ari Wijetunga
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Correspondence to Jonathan T. Yang.

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Conflict of Interest

Noah J. Mathis has received funding for a research fellowship from eContour. Neil Ari Wijetunga declares that he has no conflict of interest. Brandon S. Imber declares that he has no conflict of interest. Luke R.G. Pike has received compensation for service as a consultant from Blackstone Investments/Clarus Ventures, Third Rock Ventures, Galera Therapeutics, Dynamo Therapeutics, Myst Therapeutics, Monte Rosa Therapeutics, and Best Doctors/Teladoc Inc., and owns stock/equity in Schrödinger, Novavax, and Clovis Oncology. Jonathan T. Yang declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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Mathis, N.J., Wijetunga, N.A., Imber, B.S. et al. Recent Advances and Applications of Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases. Curr Oncol Rep 24, 335–342 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-022-01209-z

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