In an observational study presented at the 2013 annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), researchers found data that indicated potential for improved survival rates for patients with brain metastases who received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).
The study compared SRS to whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in 413 patients who were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and with fewer than four brain metastases. Researchers found that those treated with SRS had an overall survival of nine months compared to 3.9 months for patients treated with WBRT. The findings suggest that improved survival rates could be among the benefits that SRS offers to patients diagnosed with the disease.
Although the optimal treatment for brain metastases is currently unknown, the research may have determined if SRS has a therapeutic advantage over WBRT for patients with the disease. To read more about this study, click here.
Our center uses SRS to treat brain metastases using CyberKnife® technology. SRS doesn’t require anesthesia and is an important alternative when patients are not candidates for traditional surgery.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.