title: Management of brain metastases.
abstract: Patients with brain metastases have a generally poor outcome with a median survival after diagnosis of approximately 4 months. Management of brain metastases involves symptomatic treatment and definitive therapy, with the goal of stabilizing and improving neurologic function and survival. Traditional and novel therapies, including whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), surgery, radiosurgery, radiosensitizers, and chemotherapy are reviewed. The results of important clinical trials are discussed. In addition, current controversies in the management of brain metastases, such as the choice of surgery or radiosurgery for resectable lesions and the possible avoidance of (WBRT), are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: Minesh P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D006801:Humans; D016634:Radiosurgery
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents