Multimodality treatment of brain metastases from ovarian cancer

Abstract

Objective: Brain metastases from ovarian cancer are uncommon and usually associated with mean survival less than 12 months. In some cases, multimodality treatment may achieve an improved outcome in these patients. Material and Methods: Two cases of multiple brain metastases from ovarian cancer are presented. A combination of whole-brainradiotherapy (WBRT) and chemotherapy (Topotecan) was used. Results: Case 1: A 62-year-old patient was diagnosed and treated for primary ovarian cancer in 2012. She underwent optimal surgical resection and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy (Carboplatin/Paclitaxel, 6 cycles). Eleven months after the initial treatment the patient developed right hemiparesis. Brain CT documented multiple brain metastases in the left frontal and parietal lobe. She proceeded to WBRT and subsequent 4 cycles of Topotecan. At a follow-up of 24 months, there is no evidence of recurrent disease. Case 2: A 63-year-old patient was diagnosed with primary ovarian cancer in 2012. Initially, she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Carboplatin/Paclitaxel, 6 cycles and Doxorubicin/Carboplatin, 3 cycles) followed by surgical treatment. After 1-year follow-up, multiple brain metastases in the right temporoparietal and occipital lobe were detected by brain MRI. She underwent WBRT followed by 4 cycles of Topotecan. Better motor performance was achieved and the MRI scan evaluation showed volume reductions of brain metastases. Nine months later, CT scan revealed a progression of the metastatic disease and re-WBRT was performed. At a follow-up of 18 months, she is in good clinical condition. Conclusions: In ovarian cancer patients with multiple brain metastases, multimodal therapeutic approach including radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy may lead to prolonged survival.