Central Nervous System Cancers Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Abstract

In the year 2005, an estimated 18,500 new cases of primary brain and nervous system neoplasms will be diagnosed in the United States. These tumors will be responsible for approximately 12,760 deaths. The incidence of primary malignant brain tumors has been increasing over the past 25 years, especially in elderly persons (rates are increasing at about 1.2% each year). Metastatic disease to the central nervous system (CNS) occurs much more frequently, with an incidence about 10 times that of primary brain tumors. It is estimated between 20% and 40% of patients with systemic cancer will develop brain metastases. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org