Whole Brain Radiotherapy with Radiosensitizer for Brain Metastases
Author Information
Author(s): Viani Gustavo Arruda, Manta Gustavo Borges, Fonseca Ellen Carrara, De fendi Ligia Issa, Afonso Sergio Luis, Stefano Eduardo Jose
Primary Institution: Department of Radiation Oncology at Marilia Medicine School, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
Does whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with radiosensitizer improve overall survival and treatment response compared to WBRT alone for patients with brain metastases?
Conclusion
WBRT with radiosensitizers did not significantly improve overall survival, local control, or tumor response compared to WBRT alone for brain metastases.
Supporting Evidence
- The pooled results from 8 RCTs showed no meaningful improvement in overall survival with WBRT plus radiosensitizer.
- Local brain tumor response rates were not significantly different between the two treatment arms.
- CNS progression rates were similar for both treatment groups.
Takeaway
Doctors wanted to see if adding special medicines to brain radiation would help patients live longer or feel better, but it didn't really make a difference.
Methodology
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing WBRT with radiosensitizer to WBRT alone was performed.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate the incidence of adverse effects, quality of life differences, or neurocognitive progression.
Participant Demographics
Adult patients with brain metastases from solid tumors, excluding small-cell lung cancer, germ cell tumors, and lymphomas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.77
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.84–1.25
Statistical Significance
p = 0.77
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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