The Expanding Role of Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become increasingly important in the management of brain metastases due to improving systemic disease control and rising incidence. Initial trials demonstrated SRS with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved local control rates compared with WBRT alone. Concerns with WBRT associated neurocognitive toxicity have contributed to a greater use of SRS alone, including for patients with multiple metastases and following surgical resection. Molecular information, targeted agents, and immunotherapy have also altered the landscape for the management of brain metastases. This review summarises current and emerging data on the role of SRS in the management of brain metastases.

Keywords

• stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
• stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT)
• brain metastasis
• immunotherapy
• whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT)