Role of stereotactic radiosurgery as a primary treatment option in the management of newly diagnosed multiple (3-6) intracranial metastases.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the role of stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of newly diagnosed multiple intracranial metastases from known primary cancer locations.

Methods: Fifty (29 women and 21 men) patients received radiosurgery for newly diagnosed 3 or more metastatic brain tumors. Their mean age was 53 years. Lung cancer was the most common primary cancer (66%).

Results: Arrest in the growth of irradiated tumors was achieved in 41 (82%) patients. Eight patients (16%) required further intervention for tumors in other brain locations. Mean survival after diagnosis of brain disease was 12 months and the brain disease-controlled period was 19 months. The period of brain disease control prolonged (P=.03) with decreasing tumor volumes (<10 mL). Control of treated tumors positively affected survival after diagnosis of brain disease (P=.0001).

Conclusion: Radiosurgery as an adjuvant improves survival in patients with cancer who have newly diagnosed multiple intracranial metastases by arresting the growth of tumors.