Work

Characteristics and outcome of patients with brain metastases from colorectal cancer

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Despite a generally poor prognosis of patients with brain metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC-BM), local treatment of BM might be beneficial in selected patients. The aim of this study was to characterize patient and clinicopathological characteristics of CRC-BM and to identify patients who benefit most from local treatment of CRC-BM. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, clinicopathological characteristics, including treatment response and survival, were collected from 100 patients who were treated for CRC-BM at the Netherlands Cancer Institute between 2001 and 2021. All analyses were performed using SPSS. Results Median overall survival (OS) from CRC diagnosis and diagnosis of BM was 47.3 and 5.2 months, respectively. Median brain metastasis-free interval (BMFI) was 39.0 months. Median OS of patients with metachronous extracranial metastases (ECM) and subsequent BM was 5.7 months compared to 2.8 months in patients with synchronous ECM and subsequent BM (P = .08). In the latter group, the diameter of BM and liver metastases negatively influenced survival. OS of patients with CRC-BM improved over time (9.0 vs 4.0 months in 2016-2021 vs 2001-2015, respectively (P = .002)) and was better in patients able to receive systemic therapy after diagnosis of CRC-BM compared to patients who did not (19.4 months vs 4.7 months; P = .005). Conclusions Although the development of BM in patients with CRC is a late event resulting in a poor prognosis, outcome improved over time. OS was significantly longer in patients who still have systemic treatment options. This can be taken into account in the decision for local treatment of patients with CRC-BM.

Source: Neuro-Oncology Practice

DOI: 10.1093/nop/npaf040

Authors: Robin van den Borg, Sophie L Kuhlmann, Dieta Brandsma, Tineke E Buffart

Institutions: Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Brain Metastases and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,036