VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Metastases to the Brain

In this report:

• What are metastases to the brain?
• What are the standard treatments for brain metastases?
• What is stereotactic radiosurgery?
• Is sterotactic radiosurgery used to treat brain metastases?
• Who is eligible for stereotactic radiosurgery?
• Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
• How did the VHA investigate this topic?
• What did the VHA find?
• How will this report affect patient care?

What are metastases to the brain?
Brain metastases are cancer cells or tumors that spread to the brain.

What are the standard treatments for brain metastases?
There are several ways to treat brain metastases. Drugs called steroids are used to treat the symptoms of brain tumors and prolong life. Whole brain radiotherapy is used to kill cancer cells in the brain. Surgery can remove some tumors from the brain. Some of these treatments can be used together. Some patients choose no treatment at all.

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a specialized form of radiation therapy that delivers precise amounts of radiation to a particular area of the brain. The goal is to destroy the tumor or control its growth without harming healthy brain tissue around it. It does not require surgery, causes little discomfort and can be performed as an outpatient or with a very short hospital stay.

Is sterotactic radiosurgery used to treat brain metastases?
Stereotactic radiosurgery is being studied as a new way to treat brain metastases. Until now, sterotactic radiosurgery has been used to treat other brain abnormalities.

Who is eligible for stereotactic radiosurgery?
People who cannot undergo surgery or have many brain metastases may be eligible for stereotactic radiosurgery.

Why was the VHA interested in this topic?
The VHA wants to improve healthcare for patients with cancer. The VHA wanted to know if stereotactic radiosurgery is an appropriate treatment for people with brain metastases.

How did the VHA investigate this topic?
The VHA reviewed the medical literature to determine if stereotactic radiosurgery was a safe procedure that decreased the size of the tumor, controlled tumor growth and improved the lives of cancer patients with brain metastases.

What did the VHA find?
The VHA found that that stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective way to treat brain metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery can be used to treat patients with brain tumors who have tried other treatments. The patients that benefit most from stereotactic radiosurgery are patients whose cancer in other parts of the body is controlled well with therapy.

How will this report affect patient care?
The VHA is conducting a research study to learn more information about using stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of brain metastases. This research will help the VHA deliver better healthcare to veterans with brain metastases.

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