Objective: There is a need to explore multi-discipline general treatment modes to improve the survival period of patients with SCLC and brain metastases undergoing standard radiotherapy treatment.
Methods: A total of 101 patients with SCLC and brain metastases were included into this study. These patients were classified into 4 groups, based on different treatment modes: chemotherapy group, brain radiotherapy group, brain radiotherapy combined with sequential chemotherapy, and chemotherapy combined with sequential brain radiotherapy. Recent and long-term curative effects were compared among the 4 groups.
Results: A RR of 42.57% was determined for all 4 groups, and median PFS and OS was 11.56 and 17.32 months, respectively. After SCLC with brain metastases manifested in the limited stage, the difference in median survival period was not statistically significant among the 4 treatment groups (P = 0.29). At the extensive stage of SCLC, survival period was superior in the brain radiotherapy combined with sequential chemotherapy group, compared with other groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, median survival period in the brain radiotherapy combined with sequential chemotherapy group was 15.5 ± 1.03 months. This was followed by 12.0 ± 3.06 months in the chemotherapy combined with sequential brain radiotherapy group, 8.0 ± 1.49 months in the chemotherapy group, and 8.0 ± 0.43 months in the brain radiotherapy group.
Conclusion: Combining chemotherapy with brain radiotherapy is a better treatment mode compared with single therapy for treating SCLC with brain metastases. Furthermore, it is recommended for patients in the extensive stage to initially receive brain radiotherapy.
Keywords: SCLC; brain metastases; multi-discipline general treatment mode; prognosis-related factor; radiotherapy; survival period; therapies.