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MINI-REVIEW

The evolving role of surgery in brain metastatic disease

Peng Sun1 ,  Xinrui Zhang1 ,  Feng Li1 ,  Yufang Zhu1 ,  Jun Xu1*
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1 Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai’an, Shandong, China
EJMO, 025160125 https://doi.org/10.36922/EJMO025160125
Received: 15 April 2025 | Revised: 25 May 2025 | Accepted: 4 June 2025 | Published online: 17 July 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution -Noncommercial 4.0 International License (CC-by the license) ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Advancements in diagnostic imaging have improved the detection of brain metastases, which are now recognized as the most common intracranial malignancies. While surgical intervention may be indicated for various reasons – including histopathological confirmation, relief of mass effect, neurological improvement, and survival benefits – evidence suggests that gross total resection is particularly important for enhancing both progression-free and overall survival. However, the management of brain metastases remains largely subjective and controversial. This review aims to critically evaluate existing evidence regarding the role of surgical intervention in the treatment of brain metastases.

Keywords
Brain metastases
Surgical resection
Microsurgical resection
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Whole-brain radiotherapy
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Eurasian Journal of Medicine and Oncology, Electronic ISSN: 2587-196X Print ISSN: 2587-2400, Published by AccScience Publishing
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