a phase ii study of pre-op srs followed by surgical resection for brain metastases

Conditions: Brain Metastases, Adult

Summary: this is a research study to determine if performing stereotactic radiosurgery (srs) prior to surgical resection of the brain metastasis (tumor) will improve local control, in other words, increase the possibility of total removal of the primary tumor without local recurrence on longterm follow up. this research study will also determine if pre-operative srs will lower the risk of radionecrosis that is the breakdown of body tissue at the original tumor site, and the development of leptomeningeal disease.

patients with a solid tumor malignancy that has metastasized to the brain are invited to participate in this trial. upon enrollment to this study a subject will undergo stereotactic radiosurgery (srs) using the elekta gamma knife icon, being treated in once daily 15 minute fractions of 9 gray (gy) or every other day 15 minute fractions of 9 gy for a total dose of 27 gy in 3 doses. a subject will undergo a routine ct and mri simulation to determine positioning of the head prior to the start of the srs treatment. within two (2) weeks after completion of srs a subject will undergo a routine surgical resection of the brain metastasis. prior to the srs treatment and during the follow up phase of the study mris will be performed, which are standard of care. subjects will also complete a quality of life questionnaire. the duration of subject's time participating in this study is 2 years.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: 1. histologic proof or unequivocal cytologic proof of solid tumor malignancy. this may be obtained from either the primary site or any metastatic site 2. solid tumor brain metastases 3. age≥ 18 years 4. karnofsky performance status ≥70 5. patient must have agreed to undergo surgical resection to manage at least 1 brain metastasis 6. maximum tumor diameter of index lesions \<5 cm. (index lesion defined as the brain metastasis which will undergo surgical resection) 7. brain mri within 1 month of initiation of brain srs 8. no prior whole brain radiotherapy (wbrt) or radiation therapy directed to index brain metastases 9. patients of childbearing potential (male or female) must practice adequate contraception due to possible harmful effects of radiation therapy on an unborn child 10. patient must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document 11. all patients must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and must be given written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines 12. patients receiving prior srs for brain metastases in other locations of the brain are eligible 13. patients with multiple brain metastases planned for surgical intervention are eligible for this study. each individual brain metastasis will be treated exclusion criteria: 1. prior wbrt or srs to the index lesion 2. brain metastasis greater than or equal to (≤) 5 cm in maximum diameter 3. patients must not have a serious medical or psychiatric illness that would in the opinion of the treating physician prevent informed consent or completion of protocol treatment, and/or follow-up visits. 4. karnofsky performance status (kps) less than (\<)70. 5. patients with absolute contraindication to mri imaging are not eligible for the study 6. patients who are pregnant are excluded from the study.

Keywords: stereotactic radiosurgery (srs)