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. 2010 Jan;96(1):85-96.
doi: 10.1007/s11060-009-0055-6. Epub 2009 Dec 3.

The role of retreatment in the management of recurrent/progressive brain metastases: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Mario Ammirati  1 , Charles S Cobbs, Mark E Linskey, Nina A Paleologos, Timothy C Ryken, Stuart H Burri, Anthony L Asher, Jay S Loeffler, Paula D Robinson, David W Andrews, Laurie E Gaspar, Douglas Kondziolka, Michael McDermott, Minesh P Mehta, Tom Mikkelsen, Jeffrey J Olson, Roy A Patchell, Steven N Kalkanis
Affiliations

The role of retreatment in the management of recurrent/progressive brain metastases: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline

Mario Ammirati et al. J Neurooncol. 2010 Jan.

Abstract

Question: What evidence is available regarding the use of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgical resection or chemotherapy for the treatment of recurrent/progressive brain metastases?

Target population: This recommendation applies to adults with recurrent/progressive brain metastases who have previously been treated with WBRT, surgical resection and/or radiosurgery. Recurrent/progressive brain metastases are defined as metastases that recur/progress anywhere in the brain (original and/or non-original sites) after initial therapy.

Recommendation: Level 3 Since there is insufficient evidence to make definitive treatment recommendations in patients with recurrent/progressive brain metastases, treatment should be individualized based on a patient's functional status, extent of disease, volume/number of metastases, recurrence or progression at original versus non-original site, previous treatment and type of primary cancer, and enrollment in clinical trials is encouraged. In this context, the following can be recommended depending on a patient's specific condition: no further treatment (supportive care), re-irradiation (either WBRT and/or SRS), surgical excision or, to a lesser extent, chemotherapy. Question If WBRT is used in the setting of recurrent/progressive brain metastases, what impact does tumor histopathology have on treatment outcomes? No studies were identified that met the eligibility criteria for this question.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow of studies to final number of eligible studies of retreatment of recurrent brain metastases
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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