Articles: brain-neoplasms-secondary.
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Brain metastases are the most common intracranial malignancy. Incidence of brain metastases has risen as systemic therapies have improved and patients with metastatic disease live longer. Whole-brain radiation therapy, for many years, has been the standard treatment approach. ⋯ Current uses for stereotactic radiosurgery include delivery as a boost with whole-brain radiation therapy; alone for patients with a limited number of brain metastases; in pre- or postoperative settings; and in combination with systemic, targeted, and immune-based therapies. Mature prospective data on use of stereotactic radiosurgery in combination with whole-brain radiation therapy is available; however, prospective, randomized data on stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with a greater number of brain metastases, its use in pre- and postoperative settings, and its use in combination with systemic therapies are limited. Data from ongoing and future studies are needed to define the appropriate use of stereotactic radiosurgery in these settings.
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Review Case Reports
Extremely Delayed Multiple Brain Metastases from Renal Cell Carcinoma: Remission Achieved with Total Surgical Removal.
Late brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is generally considered as metastasis occurring more than 10 years after nephrectomy, often occurs as a solitary lesion, and total resection is recommended to achieve remission. ⋯ Total removal of late brain metastasis from RCC, even occurring with multiple lesions, can achieve total remission under specific conditions.
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Review Case Reports
Brain Metastasis from Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors.
Metastatic disease is a well-known sequela of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Metastic spread to the brain is unusual. ⋯ Brain metastases from MPNSTs are very rare and represent a poor prognosis, with survival after brain metastasis reported to be approximately 10 months. Early and effective initial diagnosis and treatment of MPNSTs likely represent the best opportunity for increased overall survival.
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The majority of patients with metastatic melanoma will develop brain metastases, which are the most common cause of death. Until recently, local therapies (e. g., neurosurgery, radiotherapy) were the only options for brain metastases; however, effective systemic treatment options are now available. Upon suspicion of brain metastases, diagnostic staging with brain MRI and a neurological investigation are indicated. ⋯ In the case of multiple symptomatic brain metastases, palliative whole-brain radiotherapy is used for treatment, although it has failed to show an overall survival benefit. Increased intracranial pressure and epileptic seizures are addressed with corticosteroids and anticonvulsants. Current clinical studies for melanoma patients with brain metastases are investigating new treatment options such as PD-1 antibodies, combined ipilimumab and nivolumab, combined BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors, and stereotactic radiation in combination with immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
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20-40% of patients with malignant tumors have one or more brain metastases in the course of their illness. Brain metastases are the first manifestation of cancer in 5-10%. Manifestations such as intracranial hypertension or focal neurologic deficits are seen in over 80% of patients with brain metastases. Uncertainty surrounds the treatment of patients with intracranial metastases, as the existing data are derived from trials with low levels of evidence. ⋯ Through the close interdisciplinary collaboration of neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists, the symptomatic state and the prognosis of patients with brain metastases can be improved. Longer overall survival implies that further studies will have to pay special attention to the toxicity of treatment.