4.6 Review

The Cognitive Effects of Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases

Journal

FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
Volume 12, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.893264

Keywords

brain metastases; cognition; radiation therapy; radiosurgery; whole brain radiation therapy; neurosurgery; neuro-oncology; radiation oncology

Categories

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Brain metastases are common intracranial neoplasms, with WBRT showing good intracranial tumor control rates but lacking survival benefits and causing cognitive decline and quality of life issues. Strategies such as incorporating memantine and hippocampal avoidance, as well as using SRS, have shown improved outcomes in recent years.
Brain metastases are the most common intracranial neoplasm and are seen in upwards of 10-30% of patients with cancer. For decades, whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) was the mainstay of treatment in these patients. While WBRT is associated with excellent rates of intracranial tumor control, studies have demonstrated a lack of survival benefit, and WBRT is associated with higher rates of cognitive deterioration and detrimental effects on quality of life. In recent years, strategies to mitigate this risk, such as the incorporation of memantine and hippocampal avoidance have been employed with improved results. Furthermore, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as an appealing treatment option over the last decade in the management of brain metastases and is associated with superior cognitive preservation and quality of life when compared to WBRT. This review article evaluates the pathogenesis and impact of cranial irradiation on cognition in patients with brain metastases, as well as current and future risk mitigation techniques.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.6
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available