Clinicopathologic features of brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies: A retrospective study of 139 cases (KCOG-G1001s trial)

ObjectiveAlthough brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies are rare, such cases have been gradually increasing in number. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 139 patients with brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies was carried out as a multi-institutional study. The clinicophathological data of the patients were collected from medical records.ResultsMedian survival time of the patients with brain metastases was 12.5 months for the ovarian cancer group, 6.2 months for the corpus cancer group, and 5.0 months for the cervical cancer group; two-year overall survival rates were 19.7%, 6.1%, and 4.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed ovarian/tubal/peritoneal origin, KPS > 70, single brain metastasis, absence of extracranial disease, cranial surgery, cranial radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to be independent favorable prognostic factors associated with overall survival.ConclusionIt is considered that aggressive multimodal therapy is warranted in the treatment of brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies in carefully selected patients. The present study may provide a platform for the discussion of management strategies in these rare clinical scenarios.

► Brain metastases from ovarian/tubal/peritoneal cancer revealed better prognosis compared to those from corpus cancer or cervical cancer.
► Ovarian/tubal/peritoneal origin, KPS > 70, single metastasis, absence of extracranial disease, cranial surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are independent favorable prognostic factors.
► Aggressive multimodal therapy is warranted in the treatment of brain metastases from gynecologic malignancies in carefully selected patients.