Validation of a graded prognostic model in patients with brain metastases treated with whole-brain radiotherapy instead of radiosurgery

Abstract

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the survival predictions obtained from a recent graded prognostic model developed and validated in Japan.<p><p> Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective single-institution analysis of 249 patients, managed with whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases. The sum of scores was calculated as in the Japanese study. The following parameters were included: number of brain metastases, volume of the largest lesion, sex, Karnofsky performance status, primary cancer type, control of primary cancer, and presence of extra-cerebral metastases. <p>Results: Median overall survival was 3.0 months (95% CI= 2.6-3.4 months). The median sum of scores was 12, range=0-29. Statistically significant differences were observed between all prognostic strata.<p> Conclusion: The graded prognostic model is also applicable to patients treated with whole-brain rather than stereotactic radiotherapy.