title: Clinical discussion and review of the management of brain metastases.
abstract: Brain metastases are common in patients with cancer and are associated with a poor prognosis. Optimal treatment requires an integrative multidisciplinary approach, and therapeutic options may include stereotactic radiosurgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and targeted agents. The goals of therapy are to prolong survival, preserve neurologic function, and palliate symptoms. This article outlines the various therapeutic modalities, factors that guide treatment decisions, and medical management of frequently encountered complications of brain metastases.
authors.affiliation: From the aDepartment of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, bDepartment of Neurosurgery, and cDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Priscilla K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Brastianos
authors.forename: William T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Curry
authors.forename: Kevin S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Oh
mesh_terms: D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D016634:Radiosurgery; D011878:Radiotherapy