High-dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell rescue for children with high-risk neuroblastoma
Abstract Background Despite the development of new treatment options, the prognosis of high-risk neuroblastoma patients is still poor; more than half of patients experience disease recurrence. High-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell rescue (i.e. myeloablative therapy) might improve survival. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane review. Objectives The primary objective was […]
Temozolomide for high grade glioma
Abstract Background High grade glioma (HGG) is an aggressive form of brain cancer. Treatment of HGG usually entails biopsy, or resection if safe, followed by radiotherapy. Temozolomide is a novel oral chemotherapy drug that penetrates into the brain and purportedly has a low incidence of adverse events. Objectives To assess whether temozolomide has any advantage […]
Role of chemotherapy additional to high-dose methotrexate for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)
Abstract Background Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a variant of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that accounts for about 2% to 5% of all primary intracranial tumours with immunocompetent patients. It appears at a median age of 62 years. A standard of care for PCNSL patients has not been defined yet, but high-dose methotrexate […]
Chemotherapy for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer
Abstract Background Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 20% of all cases of lung cancer. It tends to disseminate early in the course of its natural history and to grow quickly. Approximately 10% to 18% of patients present with brain metastases (BM) at the time of initial diagnosis, and an additional 40% to […]
Surgical resection and whole brain radiation therapy versus whole brain radiation therapy alone for single brain metastases
Abstract Background The treatment of brain metastasis is generally palliative since most patients have uncontrollable systemic cancer. Historically, whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has been the treatment of choice, although more recently focused radiation therapy e.g. stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has developed a role in selected patients. In certain circumstances, such as single brain metastasis, death […]
Surgery versus radiosurgery for patients with a solitary brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Background Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Brain metastases are often seen in non-small cell lung cancer patients and although they are frequently multiple, a subset of patients with a solitary brain metastasis is regularly seen. Treatment of solitary brain metastasis has been surgery, when […]
Prophylactic cranial irradiation for preventing brain metastases in patients undergoing radical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Background In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a relatively high incidence of brain metastases following radical treatment. At present, the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in this group of patients is not clear. This is an update of the original review published in 2005. Objectives To investigate whether PCI has a […]
Chemotherapy for high-grade glioma
Abstract Background Trials on the effect of systemic chemotherapy on survival and recurrence in adults with high-grade glioma have had inconclusive results. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of such treatment on survival and recurrence. Objectives To compare radiotherapy plus chemotherapy with radiotherapy alone in completely resected adults with high-grade […]