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Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Brain Metastases

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Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 11

Part of the book series: Tumors of the Central Nervous System ((TCNS,volume 11))

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Abstract

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) constitutes a highly conformal radiotherapy technique that aims to deliver a single, large radiation dose with high precision to the target volume while sparing adjacent normal tissues. SRS is an important therapeutic modality in the treatment of patients with brain metastases (BM) as it has proven benefits for local control in individuals with both single and multiple lesions. The purpose of the present article is to review the role of SRS in the management of BM. We briefly examine the technical basis and application characteristics, the various prognostic factors that affect treatment outcome and the safety of SRS in patients with BM. The clinical evidence and rationale for the use of SRS, either alone or in combination with other modalities are discussed, based mainly on randomized and prospective clinical studies and some important retrospective analyses. We finally highlight important future perspectives and open questions in regards to this important therapeutic option and discuss how we can improve the efficacy of SRS for the benefit of patients with BM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany

    Emmanouil Fokas

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  1. Emmanouil Fokas
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Correspondence to Emmanouil Fokas .

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  1. Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Union, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Fokas, E. (2014). Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Brain Metastases. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Tumors of the Central Nervous System, Volume 11. Tumors of the Central Nervous System, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7037-9_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7037-9_12

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  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-7036-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-7037-9

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