A new study offers hope to women battling ovarian cancer that has spread to the brain. Researchers have found that Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSRS), a form of high-precision radiation therapy, may significantly control tumor growth in these rare but often deadly brain metastases.
High Tumor Control With Minimal Side Effects
Brain metastases from ovarian cancer (BMFOC) are uncommon, yet they usually signal a poor outlook. In a study reviewing 22 women treated with GKSRS between 2015 and 2019, researchers analyzed outcomes for a total of 70 metastatic brain tumors. The patients were between 46 and 72 years old, and each had between one and nine tumors.
Using targeted radiation, GKSRS was able to shrink or stabilize 97.1% of the tumors one year after treatment. Specifically, nearly half (47.1%) of the tumors disappeared completely, while 29.4% shrank significantly, and 20.6% remained stable. Only 2.9% showed progression.
Even more encouraging, none of the patients experienced serious short-term or long-term side effects from the treatment.
How Gamma Knife Works
Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused beams of radiation to destroy cancer cells in the brain with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike traditional surgery, there are no incisions, which reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications.
The technique is especially useful for patients with limited numbers of brain tumors or those who may not tolerate brain surgery well.
Tailoring Treatment to the Patient
While these results are promising, doctors stress that treatment should be customized. Factors such as the number and size of tumors, the presence of cancer outside the brain, overall health, and patient goals all play an important role in choosing the best approach.
This study suggests that for the right patient, Gamma Knife radiosurgery may offer an effective and low-risk option for managing brain metastases from ovarian cancer—providing not just tumor control, but peace of mind.
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