Graded prognostic assessment scale to predict overall survival in patients diagnosed with brain metastases undergoing Gamma-knife radiosurgery

This study was done to define the role of Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score for predicting overall survival in patients diagnosed with brain metastases undergoing Gamma-knife radiosurgery.

Patients diagnosed with brain metastases who were candidates for Gamma-knife radiosurgery entered this cross sectional study between 2003 and 2011. Clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated, and the GPA score were determined. Kaplan–Meier, log-rank, was used to assess prognostic value of the GPA score.

Two hundred and twenty patients were eligible to enter the study during the course of the study. Patients were aged 54 ± 12.7 years (19 to 82 years) and were followed for an average of 7 (range 1-25) months after treatment with Gamma-knife. Median survival times according to GPA were: GPA 0–1=4±0.4 months; GPA 1.5–2.5=6±0.7 months; GPA 3= 9±0.9 months; and GPA 3.5–4.0= 12±1.8 months; Mean overall survival was 7±0.6 months. The level of statistical significance between GPA groups was p < 0.0001.

It seems that the preoperative GPA is able to predict Gamma-knife radiosurgery results in patients with brain metastases. The results will need to be confirmed with further Clinical trials.