SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF METASTATIC BRAIN-TUMORS

Key elements in the modern surgical treatment of metastatic brain tumo rs are a firm grasp of criteria for selection of proper surgical candi dates and a thorough grounding in the surgical approaches to, and the anatomy of, cerebral metastases. It is important to realize that the p resence of multiple or recurrent brain metastases does not automatical ly contraindicate surgery because in properly selected patients, resec tion of multiple metastases or reoperation for recurrent metastases ca n extend survival and enhance the quality of life. Appropriate treatme nt of metastatic brain tumors frequently requires the judicious use of modalities such as open craniotomy, whole brain radiotherapy, and ste reotactic radiosurgery. In order to assure the best outcome of patient s with cerebral metastases, it is necessary to have an awareness of ho w these modalities can best complement one another and to apply them a ccordingly. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.