Multimodality durable salvage of recurrent brain metastases refractory to LITT, SRS and immunotherapy with resection and cesium-131 brachytherapy: case report and literature review

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Dec 17;14(12):e245369. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-245369.

Abstract

Brain metastases (BrM) are treated with multimodality therapy, however the optimal combination and timing of modalities in the setting of recurrent tumours that have failed prior treatments remain poorly defined. We present a case of a patient with biopsy-confirmed renal cell carcinoma BrM with good performance status initially treated with laser interstitial thermal ablation therapy (LITT) followed by stereotactic radiosurgery and dual checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. He subsequently developed rapid in-field recurrence which was treated with salvage surgical resection and implantation of intracavitary cesium-131 brachytherapy. The patient's disease remained stable through 18 months postoperatively. This case illustrates the range of options available and provides a combination salvage therapy strategy in a select group of locally recurrent patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.

Keywords: CNS cancer; cancer intervention; neurooncology; neurosurgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brachytherapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms*
  • Male
  • Salvage Therapy

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Cesium-131