Corticosteroid-use in primary and secondary brain tumour patients: a review

Corticosteroids have been effective in the management of cerebral oedema, in the context of brain tumours, for many decades. Though their effectiveness is well-established, this needs to be balanced against their potential to cause significant side effects. There is currently little consensus in the literature about how this should be done. This article reviews the literature, specifically in relation to the role of corticosteroids in primary and secondary brain tumour patients. Areas reviewed include corticosteroid pharmacology, indications, mechanism of action, toxicity profile, prescribing practices, and corticosteroid-sparing agents.