Defining the Optimal Dose of Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treating Cerebral Metastases in Elderly Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM: In oncology, elderly people are a separate group of patients requiring special consideration. This applies to the treatment of cerebral metastases as well. The present study focused on elderly patients receiving stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for few cerebral lesions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 95 patients aged ≥65 years, two SRS doses, 16-18 Gy (n=44) and 20 Gy (n=51), were compared regarding outcomes of SRS.

RESULTS: The overall intracerebral control rates at 12 months were 30% after 16-18 Gy and 45% after 20 Gy (p=0.53). Twelve-month rates of freedom from new intracerebral lesions were 41% and 52%, respectively (p=0.63). Twelve-month local control rates of the irradiated lesions were 55% and 81%, respectively (p=0.069). Overall survival rates at 12 months were 29% and 31%, respectively (p=0.67).

CONCLUSION: SRS with 16-18 Gy was not significantly inferior to SRS with 20 Gy in elderly patients with few cerebral metastases.