OBJECTIVES: To review the results of published randomised controlled trials in the treatment of brain metastases and, from the knowledge gained from these trials, to identify potential study questions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was searched for randomised controlled trials that dealt with the management of brain metastases. Potential research questions were identified on the basis of the results of the literature review. RESULTS: A number of research questions were identified. In the context of the NCIC Symptom Control Group, a trial of supportive care alone vs supportive care and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in a subset of patients with the diagnosis of brain metastases was deemed to be of highest priority. We discussed a number of issues relating to the feasibility of such a trial. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal management of brain metastases remains elusive. Despite the results of numerous randomised controlled trials, many questions remain unanswered. The magnitude of benefit using WBRT above supportive care alone is uncertain. A trial of supportive care alone vs supportive care and WBRT may be successful once target population, feasibility and methodological issues are thoroughly solved.
OBJECTIVES: To review the results of published randomised controlled trials in the treatment of brain metastases and, from the knowledge gained from these trials, to identify potential study questions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was searched for randomised controlled trials that dealt with the management of brain metastases. Potential research questions were identified on the basis of the results of the literature review. RESULTS: A number of research questions were identified. In the context of the NCIC Symptom Control Group, a trial of supportive care alone vs supportive care and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) in a subset of patients with the diagnosis of brain metastases was deemed to be of highest priority. We discussed a number of issues relating to the feasibility of such a trial. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal management of brain metastases remains elusive. Despite the results of numerous randomised controlled trials, many questions remain unanswered. The magnitude of benefit using WBRT above supportive care alone is uncertain. A trial of supportive care alone vs supportive care and WBRT may be successful once target population, feasibility and methodological issues are thoroughly solved.
Authors: Andor W J M Glaudemans; Roelien H Enting; Mart A A M Heesters; Rudi A J O Dierckx; Ronald W J van Rheenen; Annemiek M E Walenkamp; Riemer H J A Slart Journal: Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging Date: 2012-12-12 Impact factor: 9.236
Authors: Marc C Chamberlain; Christina S Baik; Vijayakrishna K Gadi; Shailender Bhatia; Laura Q M Chow Journal: Neuro Oncol Date: 2017-01 Impact factor: 12.300
Authors: Johannes Lemke; Jan Scheele; Thomas Kapapa; Christian Rainer Wirtz; Doris Henne-Bruns; Marko Kornmann Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2013-02-19 Impact factor: 5.923