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SRS May Offer Alternative to WBRT for SCLC Brain Mets
Developing
In Short: According to the first randomized phase 3 trial comparing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to hippocampal-avoidant whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer (SCLC), SRS may offer a treatment alternative.
According to the first randomized phase 3 trial comparing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to hippocampal-avoidant whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer (SCLC), SRS may offer a treatment alternative.
Dr. Rusthoven presented findings at a conference, stating, "These findings support SRS as a treatment option for patients with brain metastases from SCLC." He also noted the increased neurocognitive risk associated with WBRT for patients over 60-70 years of age.
Historically, there has been concern that omitting WBRT from SCLC management could worsen patient survival due to rapid intracranial progression from untreated microscopic disease.
In many solid tumors, SRS has become a standard treatment for patients with a limited number of brain metastases, based on randomized trials showing better cognitive function and quality of life preservation compared to WBRT.
What's still developing
- “We should remember that the neurocognitive risk from whole-brain radiation therapy goes up sharply once patients reach 60-70 years of age,” he said.