Brain Metastases in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management

Background: Brain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial neoplasms in adults and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The brain is an unusual site for distant metastases of thyroid cancer; indeed, the most common sites are lungs and bones. In this narrative review, we discuss about the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment options for patients with BM from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).Summary: BM can be discovered before initial therapy due to symptoms, but in most patients, BM is diagnosed during follow-up because of imaging performed before starting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) or due to the onset of neurological symptoms. Older male patients with follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC), and distant metastases may have an increased risk of developing BM. The gold standard for detection of BM is magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agent administration, which is superior to contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The treatment strategies for patients with BM from DTC remain controversial. Patients with poor performance status are candidates for palliative and supportive care. Neurosurgery is usually reserved for cases where symptoms persist despite medical treatment, especially in patients with favorable prognostic factors and larger lesions. It should also be considered for patients with a single BM in a surgically accessible location, particularly if the primary disease is controlled without other systemic metastases. Additionally, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be the preferred option for treating small lesions, especially those in inaccessible areas of the brain or when surgery is not advisable. Whole brain radiotherapy is less frequently used in treating these patients due to its potential side effects and the debated effectiveness. Therefore, it is typically reserved for cases involving multiple BM that are too large for SRS. TKIs are effective in patients with progressive radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer and multiple metastases.Conclusions: Although routine screening for BM is not recommended, older male patients with FTC or PDTC and distant metastases may be at higher risk and should be carefully evaluated for BM. According to current data, patients who are suitable for neurosurgery seem to have the highest survival benefit, while SRS may be appropriate for selected patient.