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01-01-2008 | Review

Radiosurgery in the treatment of brain metastases: critical review regarding complications

Authors: Marcos Vinícius Calfat Maldaun, Paulo Henrique Pires Aguiar, Frederick Lang, Dima Suki, David Wildrick, Raymond Sawaya

Published in: Neurosurgical Review | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been described as an effective treatment option for brain metastases. In general, SRS has been indicated for the treatment of lesions smaller than 3 cm in maximum diameter and for lesions considered not surgically treatable, owing to the patient’s clinical status or because the lesion was located in or near eloquent brain areas. In several studies, SRS has been associated with clinical and radiographic improvement of the lesions and has been compared with surgery as the modality of choice for brain metastases. Beyond the high rate of local disease control with SRS, the few complications that have been described occurred mainly in the acute post treatment period. Most publications have addressed the outcome and effectiveness of this treatment modality but have not critically analyzed long-term complications, steroid dependency, or results relating to specific brain locations. It is important to understand the radiobiologic effects of a well-demarcated high dose of radiation on the brain lesion, controlling the tumor growth and not causing significant alteration of the related brain region, especially in an area controlling eloquent function.

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Title: Radiosurgery in the treatment of brain metastases: critical review regarding complications
Authors: Marcos Vinícius Calfat Maldaun
Paulo Henrique Pires Aguiar
Frederick Lang
Dima Suki
David Wildrick
Raymond Sawaya
Publication date: 01-01-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Neurosurgical Review / Issue 1/2008
Print ISSN: 0344-5607
Electronic ISSN: 1437-2320
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-007-0110-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Radiosurgery in the treatment of brain metastases: critical review regarding complications

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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