Brain Metastases

About this book

Brain metastases are the most dreaded complication of systemic cancer, affecting approximately 170,000 people a year, a far greater incidence than primary brain tumors. Advances in modern chemotherapy have led to an improved control of system cancers, often with agents that poorly penetrate the central nervous system, resulting in an increasing incidence of brain metastases. Traditional chemotherapy has had little impact on brain metastases. The main therapeutic option is radiation therapy, and in a small number of patients - surgery. However, refinements in all of these treatments offer some positive outcomes and an increased ability to stratify patients based on certain criteria.

This book will bring current information on the presentation and management of patients with brain metastases, providing available data, giving guidelines that can be applied in day to day practice, updated information for neuro-surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and neuro-oncologists, as well as an overview for physicians in training.

"Brain metastases are one of the most devasting consequences of cancer. This text addresses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging, and management of this complication. Experts in the field cover a broad array of relevant topics highlighting the challenges and current therapeutic strategies." - Steven T. Rosen, M.D., Series Editor

Written for: Oncologists, radiation oncologists, neuro-surgeons, neuro-oncologists, secondary audience of residents, fellows, nursing oncologists

Keywords: brain, metastases, radiation, therapy, oncologists,

Table of contents

Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Brain Metastases.-Economics of Brain Metastases.- Symptom Management and Supportive Care of the Patient with Brain Metastases.- Neuroimaging of Parenchymal Brain Metastases.- Surgery for Brain Metastases.- Radiation for Brain Metastases.- Dural and Skull Base Brain Metastases.- Brain Metastases in Pediatric Patients.- Brain Metastases in Hematologic Malignancies.- Chemotherapy for Brain Metastases: Breast, Gynecologic and Non-Melanoma Skin Malignancies.- Chemotherapy for Brain Metastases due to Lung Cancer and Melanoma.- Palliative Care for Patients with Brain Metastases.- Index.

Reviews

"This book addresses some of the most important aspects in dealing with central nervous system metastases. The purpose is to address management of brain metastases. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists are the main audience for this book. The 12 chapters written by 24 contributors provide accurate, up-to-date, and well illustrated information on chemotherapeutic drugs and surgical, and radiosurgical protocols. … This is an excellent book for neurology, neurosurgery, and oncology libraries." (Celso Agner, Doody's Review Service, November, 2007)