PURPOSE

Brain metastases are common among adult patients with solid malignancies and are increasingly being treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). As more patients with brain metastases are becoming eligible for SRS, there is a need for practical review of patient selection and treatment considerations.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Two patient cases were identified to use as the foundation for a discussion of a wide and representative range of management principles: (A) SRS alone for 5 to 15 lesions and (B) a large single metastasis to be treated with pre- or postoperative SRS. Patient selection, fractionation, prescription dose, treatment technique, and dose constraints are discussed. Literature relevant to these cases is summarized to provide a framework for treatment of similar patients.

RESULTS

Treatment of brain metastases with SRS requires many considerations including optimal patient selection, fractionation selection, and plan optimization.

CONCLUSIONS

Case-based practice guidelines developed by the Radiosurgery Society provide a practical guide to the common scenarios noted above affecting patients with metastatic brain tumors.