Whole brain radiotherapy explained

Whole brain radiotherapy
Specialty:	oncology

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.

Usage

WBRT has been shown to alleviate symptoms, decrease the use of corticosteroids needed to control tumor-associated edema, and potentially improve overall survival.^[1] However, WBRT has been reported to increase the risk of cognitive decline.^[2]

WBRT may be administered in combination with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgery, or systemic therapies. 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.^[3]

Notes and References

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