Recent Advances and Applications of Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases

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. 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.

Keywords: Brain metastases; Craniospinal irradiation; Proton craniospinal irradiation; Radiation therapy; Stereotactic radiosurgery; Whole-brain radiotherapy.