Staged radiosurgery of large brain metastasis with mass effect and brain dislocation: case report

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, one of the effective methods of treatment of intracranial metastases is stereotactic radiosurgery. The main factors limiting its use are the size (volume) of the tumor or the location of the metastasis in critical proximity to radiosensitive brain structures, such as the optic pathways, thalamus, brain stem, due to the high risk of developing local radiation necrosis. To reduce the risk of adverse radiation effects, hypofractionated radiotherapy by linac or staged Gamma Knife radiosurgery is used. However, large brain metastases that cause dislocation of the brain midline structures are traditionally considered an object for surgical excision, the main purpose of which is to eliminate the mass effect caused by the tumor.The objective of the publication: to demonstrate a case of successful application of staged Gamma Knife radiosurgery of large brain metastases accompanied by brain compression and dislocation.Materials and methods. Patient, 38‑year-old, with right-sided hemiplegia (0 score) and large (Ø = 3 cm, V = 12.9 cm3) breast cancer metastasis in the deep site of the left hemisphere, accompanied by severe perifocal edema and braindislocation (midline shift up to 15 mm). The treatment was carried out by Gamma Knife in two stages with an interval of 1.5 months.Results. As a result, not only a complete regression both of the perifocal edema and midline shift were noted, but also a significant decrease of the tumor volume and dramatical improvement in the patient’s neurological status already in the interval between the stages of radiosurgery: restoration of active movements in the right limbs (up to 4 score).Conclusion. This case demonstrates the possibility of effective and safe non-invasive treatment of large brain metastases accompanied by brain compression and dislocation, which makes it possible to achieve regression of the mass effect and improve the neurological quality of life of cancer patients.