Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is a palliative option for patients with
brain metastases
A brain metastasis is a cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the brain from another location in the body and is therefore considered a secondary brain tumor. The metastasis typically shares a cancer cell type with the original site of the ...
that alleviates symptoms, decreases the use of
corticosteroids needed to control tumor-associated
edema
Edema, also spelled oedema, and also known as fluid retention, dropsy, hydropsy and swelling, is the build-up of fluid in the body's Tissue (biology), tissue. Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. Symptoms may include skin which feels t ...
, and potentially improves overall survival.
Usage
Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) has been reported to increase the risk of
cognitive decline
Dementia is a disorder which manifests as a set of related symptoms, which usually surfaces when the brain is damaged by injury or disease. The symptoms involve progressive impairments in memory, thinking, and behavior, which negatively affec ...
.
WBRT is sometimes used along with
stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgery, and 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.
References
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Chemotherapy