Dr. Riley (left) and Dr. Markert (right)

UAB Department of Neurosurgery Professor Kristen Riley, M.D., and Chair James Markert, M.D., MPH, co-authored a research article, “Focal Management of Large Brain Metastases and Risk of Leptomeningeal Disease” that was published in Volume 5, Issue 1 of Advances in Radiation Oncology. Riley and Markert published the article along with nine other industry leaders.

The study compared surgical resection followed by radiosurgery (S + SRS) to fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (FRST) as treatments for large brain metastases. Specifically, Riley, Markert and the other authors wanted to examine the risk of leptomeningeal disease (LMD), or the migration of cancer cells to cerebrospinal fluid, in both treatment options.

The findings suggested that S + SRS may increase LMD risk compared to FRST alone¬– although surgical intervention is appropriate for certain brain metastases. Markert and Riley’s conclusion also states that, “because S + SRS and FSRT seem to have similar LC, FSRT may be a viable alternative to S + SRS in select patients with large brain metastases.”

“This article is very significant for providers treating large brain metastases,” said Riley. “It’s thrilling to play a role in research that has an impact on helping find the right path for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The more that we can help providers in tailoring cancer treatment based on research, the more hope we are able to give to patients.”

The entire digital version of Volume 5, Issue 1 of Advances in Radiation Oncology is available here.