Gamma-knife radiosurgery for the treatment of ovarian cancer metastatic to the brain

Gynecol Oncol. 2005 Jun;97(3):858-61. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.02.019.

Abstract

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) metastases from an ovarian malignancy are uncommon. The long-term prognosis for these patients is poor, with studies reporting a mean survival of less than 12 months.

Cases: We present three ovarian cancer patients who developed metastatic disease to the brain. All patients were heavily pre-treated prior to the development of CNS disease. Following detection of CNS disease, they all were treated with multi-modality therapy including gamma-knife radiosurgery (GKRS). At this time, one patient is alive at 26 months following treatment with GKRS. The second and third patients survived for 88 and 22 months respectively, before succumbing to their disease.

Conclusion: Local control of ovarian cancer metastatic to the brain can be achieved in some patients with GKRS. Additional investigation into GKRS is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Radiosurgery*