Tumor Cavity Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Resected Brain Metastases

Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been utilized broadly for brain metastases not only for intact ones but as well as of late for the postoperative cavity of metastases after surgery, due to the advantages of SRS to preserve neurocognitive functions, maintain local control and prescribe the treatment in a short time frame. Randomized trials have proven the safety and efficacy of cavity SRS compared to observation. As WBRT offers no survival advantage in comparison to SRS and frequent monitorization with brain MRIs for early salvage upon failure, there has been a revolution in clinical approach for patients with limited intact brain metastases to treat with SRS only and omit WBRT. Likewise, the postoperative cavity SRS for brain metastases has gained a growing reputation. In this review, we summarize the proof for evidence-based optimization in the postoperative setting of the surgically removed brain metastases.