Journal of Neuro-Oncology

, Volume 106, Issue 3, pp 449–459 | Cite as

Corticosteroid-use in primary and secondary brain tumour patients: a review

Topic Review
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Corticosteroids have been effective in the management of cerebral oedema, in the context of brain tumours, for many decades. Though their effectiveness is well-established, this needs to be balanced against their potential to cause significant side effects. There is currently little consensus in the literature about how this should be done. This article reviews the literature, specifically in relation to the role of corticosteroids in primary and secondary brain tumour patients. Areas reviewed include corticosteroid pharmacology, indications, mechanism of action, toxicity profile, prescribing practices, and corticosteroid-sparing agents.

Keywords

Brain neoplasms Corticosteroids Quality of life 
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Notes

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2011

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Palliative Care Department, Elsworth House, Addenbrookes HospitalCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
  2. 2.University of CambridgeCambridgeUK
  3. 3.Kings CollegeLondonUK
  4. 4.Neurosurgery Department, Addenbrookes HospitalCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK

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