Radiation therapy in the management of brain metastases from breast cancer

Abstract

A retrospective analysis of 99 patients treated at Radiumhemmet, Karolinska Hospital 1979-1990 with palliative radiotherapy for brain metastases from breast cancer was performed. A relief of symptoms was obtained in 45% of patients. Median time from diagnosis of breast cancer until CNS metastases was 33 months. Median survival time with CNS metastases after diagnosis was 5 months. Prognostic indicators for survival were studied. Patients operated for a singular brain metastasis and irradiated postoperatively had a mean survival of 21 months while patients with multiple brain metastases and meningeal spread displayed a short median survival. Extracranial disease status influenced prognosis significantly. Radiation dose (CRE) did not correlate with survival.

Risk factors for brain relapse in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients

“…The median survival in this series was 3.2 years and the median survival from the diagnosis of brain relapse-9 months. Despite adverse prognostic impact of HER2 overexpression or amplification, these results seem to be better compared to those reported previously in unselected series of advanced breast cancer [41][42][43]. This may be related to more effective systemic therapy of advanced breast cancer, particularly the use of trastuzumab, more effective management of brain metastases and improved supportive care.…”

CNS Metastases in Breast Cancer: Old Challenge, New Frontiers

“…In prior decades, median survival after diagnosis for all-comers was estimated at less than 6 months, even with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) treatment (2). Patients were often diagnosed in the setting of progressive extracranial disease, and lack of systemic disease control was a major limiting factor in overall survival.…”

Incidence, pattern and timing of brain metastases among patients with advanced breast cancer treated with trastuzumab

“…The median time from diagnosis of breast cancer to CNS metastases was 33 months with 5 months median survival time once diagnosed with cerebral involvement [7]. Brain metastases are usually associated with negative estrogen and progesterone receptor status, young age and the presence of visceral metastases in historical cohorts [8].…”