Clinical manifestations and location of brain metastases as prognostic markers

Current Problems in Cancer
Bernardo Cacho-DíazÁngel Herrera-Gómez

Abstract

Brain metastases (BM) are a frequent complication of cancer and are regularly seen in clinical practice. New treatment modalities are improving survival after diagnosis of BM. However, symptoms are rarely reported and their significance is not well established. The aim of the present study was to investigate neurologic indicators as prognostic markers in patients with brain metastases. A prospectively acquired database from 2 referral centers was analyzed. All patients had had at least 2 neuro-oncologic consultations and magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Patients were classified according to universally used prognostic scores, gender, primary tumor, localization of BM, and clinical complaints. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to evaluate associations. A total of 570 patients were included; 71% were female, and 91% had solid tumors. Median survival was 11 months (95% confidence interval 9.4-12.6). Of 1322 parenchymal lesions, 78% were supratentorial, and were most commonly in the frontal lobe. The most common symptoms were headache, vision changes, and weakness. Brain metastases in the brainstem were associated with a worse prognosis (P = 0.04). Visual complaints (P = 0.005), altered mental status...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.