Current Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Malignant Central Nervous System Tumors.

The 2016 World Health Organization classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors underwent significant restructuring and for the first time gliomas are classified according to both molecular and histologic parameters which guides glioma management. Radiation for intermediate-risk meningiomas improves the progression-free survival from historical controls, and studies are ongoing for atypical meningiomas. For brain metastases, use of stereotactic radiosurgery for a higher number of lesions has become clinical practice. Additionally, hippocampal-sparing whole brain radiation shows promise in preserving neuro-cognitive function. This article summarizes the evolving role of radiation therapy in the management of malignant CNS neoplasms.