Evidence-based dexamethasone dosing in malignant brain tumors: what do we really know?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The present study aims to conduct a systematic review of literature reporting on the dose and dosing schedule of dexamethasone (DXM) in relation to clinical outcomes in malignant brain tumor patients, with particular attention to evidence-based practice.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Academic Search Premier, and PsycINFO to identify studies that reported edema volume reduction, symptomatic relief, adverse events and survival in relation to dexamethasone dose in glioma or brain metastasis (BM) patients.

Results

After screening 1812 studies, fifteen articles were included for qualitative review. Most studies reported a dose of 16 mg, mostly in a schedule of 4 mg four times a day. Due to heterogeneity of st

SUBMITTER: Jessurun CAC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6700052 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature