Overall Survival After Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy for Intracerebral Metastases from Testicular Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: To identify predictors and develop a score for overall survival of patients with intracerebral metastasis from testicular cancer.

Patients and methods: Whole-brain radiation therapy program, age, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), number of intracerebral metastases, number of other metastatic sites and time between testicular cancer diagnosis and radiation therapy were analyzed for their association with overall survival in eight patients.

Results: KPS of 80-90% was significantly associated with better overall survival (p=0.006), one or no other metastatic sites showed a trend for a better outcome (p=0.10). The following scores were assigned: KPS 60-70%=0 points, KPS 80-90%=1 point, ≥2 other metastatic sites=0 points, 0-1 other metastatic sites=1 point. Two groups, with 0 and with 1-2 points, were formed. Overall survival rates were 33% vs. 100% at 6 months and 0% vs. 100% at 12 months (p=0.006), respectively.

Conclusion: A simple instrument enabling physicians to judge the overall survival of patients with intracerebral metastasis from testicular cancer is provided.

Keywords: Testicular cancer; intracerebral metastases; overall survival; prediction; whole-brain radiation therapy.