Long-term survival in an ovarian cancer patient with brain metastases

Gynecol Oncol. 2004 Mar;92(3):978-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2003.11.024.

Abstract

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) metastases from ovarian adenocarcinoma are uncommon. The long-term prognosis for these patients is poor, with studies reporting a mean survival of less than 12 months.

Case: We present a case involving a 57-year-old woman diagnosed and treated for primary ovarian cancer in 1994. She underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and received adjuvant chemotherapy. In 1996, she was diagnosed with a right cerebellar metastatic lesion, and treated with surgery and whole-brain radiotherapy. She is currently 7 years post-treatment of her brain metastasis without evidence of recurrent disease.

Conclusion: Brain metastases from primary ovarian cancer are a relatively rare finding. These patients have a poor prognosis, with studies reporting a mean survival of 12 months. However, the patient in this report remains disease-free since her treatment for metastatic disease. Aggressive surgical and radiation treatment for patients with isolated CNS metastases is reasonable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome