A modern approach to the treatment of brain metastases (literature review)

Background. A distinctive feature of malignant tumors, regardless of their primary site, is their ability to metastasize. According to clinical studies, brain metastases are frequently diagnosed in cancer patients, which significantly complicates the course of the primary disease and determines its prognosis. Despite the emergence of new therapeutic strategies, improving diagnostic and treatment approaches remains critically important. This underscores the need to systematize current scientific data in order to identify effective solutions for the prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, and management of this condition. Aim. To analyze existing studies on the efficacy of various treatment methods for brain metastases, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each method, including those based on statistical data. Materials and Methods. The study material consists of thematic scientific reviews on the treatment of brain metastases. A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed for the years 2010–2025 using the keywords brain tumors, treatment of metastases, and oncological diseases. A total of 47 sources were selected. The bibliosemantic method and the method of systematic analysis were used. The study was conducted as a private initiative of the authors without grant support or official registration of the topic. Research Ethics. This study is based on publications conducted in accordance with current standards of bioethics. Results. This paper outlines the challenges involved in identifying optimal methods for treating brain metastases, both through medical and surgical approaches, in combination with radiation therapy. It examines the therapeutic effects on symptoms, the significance of surgical treatment methods, the role of postoperative radiation therapy and stereotactic treatment methods in combination with radiation therapy, as well as the side effects of radiation therapy. Conclusions. Despite the achievements of modern medicine, a large number of questions remain, the main ones being patient selection criteria and the optimal treatment sequence for maximum therapeutic benefit. The problem of metastatic brain lesions combines diagnostic challenges, the limitations of existing therapeutic approaches, and the need to improve treatment methods. This necessitates further research aimed at improving diagnostic capabilities, developing new therapeutic strategies, and increasing survival rates for patients with this condition.