Reenlargement of radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastasis from lung cancer during bevacizumab treatment

Respir Investig. 2017 Mar;55(2):184-187. doi: 10.1016/j.resinv.2016.11.001. Epub 2016 Dec 6.

Abstract

We describe a 55-year-old man who received stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for the treatment of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma. Fourteen months after SRT, right-sided hemiparesis developed, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed progression of perifocal edema and an enhanced lesion. Cerebral radiation necrosis was diagnosed, and treatment with bevacizumab was initiated. The lesion clearly responded to bevacizumab therapy, but reenlarged 8 months later and was surgically resected. Histopathological analysis of the resected specimen revealed large areas of necrosis; however, viable tumor cells were detected in the necrotic areas. Reenlargement of the necrotic lesion was attributed to the recurrence of lung cancer.

Keywords: Bevacizumab; Brain metastasis; Lung cancer; Radiation necrosis; Stereotactic radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use*
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / surgery
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Necrosis / drug therapy
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / surgery
  • Radiosurgery / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Bevacizumab