Predictors of survival in patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer

Abstract

This study aims to identify predictors of survival and contribute to treatment personalization in patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer. Twelve patients received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), four stereotactic radiosurgery and six neurosurgery plus WBRT. Treatment regimen, age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score, tumor site, number of brain metastases, extra-cranial metastases and interval between cancer diagnosis and brain metastases were evaluated for survival. On univariate analyses, more intensive treatment (p=0.003), ECOG-score 0-1 (p<0.001), cardiac location (p=0.025) and single brain metastasis (p=0.023) were associated with better survival. On multivariate analysis, ECOG-score maintained significance (p<0.001). Patients with all three positive factors on univariate analysis had a 12-month survival rate of 100%, patients with three negative factors a 3-month survival rate of 0%. Predictors of survival were identified that can guide physicians selecting personalized treatment approaches for patients with brain metastases from gastric cancer.