Brain Metastases in Norway - A Prospective Cohort Study

Brain Metastases in Norway - Improved Classification and Treatment. A Prospective Cohort Study

The overall aim and primary outcome of this study will be a descriptive analysis of the current treatment practice of BM in Norway. Specifically, it may give answers to the following research questions:

• What is the true incidence of BM in Norway?
• How are patients with BM treated at present?
• Do treatments differ between hospitals?
• How do treatments impact quality of life of the patients?
• Which factors (treatment, tumor and host variables) can explain disease control, survival, symptom relief, and general functions?
• How can BM staging be improved?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Verified cancer diagnosis of solid tumors (based on radiological, histological/cytological or operative evidence).
• Brain metastases verified by computer tomography (CT), contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or surgical biopsies
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Able to comply with study procedures
• Able to provide written informed consent after information in Norwegian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary brain tumors
• Primary hematological malignancies (lymphomas, leukemias)
• Previous diagnosis and/or treatment of BM
• Unable to produce written informed consent after information in Norwegian