Asymptomatic brain metastases in patients with cutaneous metastatic malignant melanoma

• DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e32835ae915
• Publication Date: 2012-11-01T09:28:50Z
• Authors: Ruta Zukauskaite; Henrik Schmidt; Jon T. Asmussen; Olfred Hansen; Lars Bastholt
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Skin Neoplasms; Adolescent; Contrast Media; Antineoplastic Agents; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Radiosurgery; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Child; Tomography; Melanoma; Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Brain Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; X-Ray Computed; 3. Good health; Survival Rate; Asymptomatic Diseases; Interleukin-2; Female; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The aim of the study was to identify frequency asymptomatic brain metastases detected by computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma referred first-line systemic treatment. Between 1995 and 2009, 697 Danish were screened a contrast-enhanced CT scan before start interleukin-2 (IL-2)-based immunotherapy. Among patients, 80 had (12%). Patients' characteristics did not differ significantly between groups without metastases. Patients received treatment (IL-2-based or cytotoxic chemotherapy), local (stereotactic radiotherapy, whole-brain radiotherapy surgery), best supportive care only. survival shorter for compared (P<0.0001). median 4.5 versus 9.2 months; 1-year 12.5 38.4% metastases, respectively. We conclude that 12% who qualified clinically IL-2 contrast. Proper staging including neck, thorax, abdomen MRI is mandatory, as options comparable safety efficacy have emerged.