Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft ... [et al]
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Review Comparative Study
The role of postoperative radiotherapy after resection of a single brain metastasis. Combined analysis of 643 patients.
The extent of treatment in patients with single brain metastasis is a controversial topic. Especially the issue of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) after local treatment of the lesion is largely unresolved. Therefore, the authors performed a pooled analysis of all available clinical data, based on a comprehensive literature search and on prospectively defined inclusion criteria and endpoints (in particular local brain control at the original site and development of new brain metastases). ⋯ The present data favor moderate-dose WBRT, but the pros and cons of each option should be discussed with each patient. Higher radiation doses or local boost treatment are not supported by these data, but might be considered under certain circumstances, e.g., after incomplete resection.