Whole brain radiotherapy
Specialtyoncology

Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a treatment option for patients with brain metastases. In WBRT, radiation therapy is administered broadly, to the whole brain, over multiple treatments.[1]

Usage

WBRT has been shown to alleviate symptoms, decrease the use of corticosteroids needed to control tumor-associated edema, and potentially improve overall survival.[2] However, WBRT has been reported to increase the risk of cognitive decline.[3]

WBRT may be administered in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgery, or systemic therapies.[1] While these can improve survival for some patients with single brain metastasis, a 2021 systematic review of the literature found inconsistent results for overall survival.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Garsa, Adam; Jang, Julie K.; Baxi, Sangita; Chen, Christine; Akinniranye, Olamigoke; Hall, Owen; Larkin, Jody; Motala, Aneesa; Newberry, Sydne; Hempel, Susanne (2021). "Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases | Effective Health Care (EHC) Program". effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. doi:10.23970/ahrqepccer242. PMID 34152714. S2CID 236256085. Retrieved 2022-07-30.
  2. ↑ McTyre, E; Scott, J; Chinnaiyan, P (2013). "Whole brain radiotherapy for brain metastasis". Surg Neurol Int. 4 (5): S236–44. doi:10.4103/2152-7806.111301. PMC 3656558. PMID 23717795.
  3. ↑ "Whole-Brain Radiotherapy: Risks Worth Benefit?". Medscape.com. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
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