Radation therapy for brain metastases

摘要: We treated 183 patients who had brain metastases with whole-brain radiation therapy (RT) and adrenocorticosteroids utilizing a new high-dose protocol. Treatment produced neurological improvement in 135 (74%); there was no change 37 (20%), deterioration occurred 11 (6%). Of those improved, two-thirds maintained for the remainder of their lives or at least nine months, one-third relapsed. One-third relapsed improved again steroids further RT. Clinical paralleled tumor regression on CT scan. Despite clinical response, median survival only twelve weeks; 24% lived six months 8% one year. Death resulted from progressive disease 16% patients. Two-thirds died advancing systemic setting stable, function. These data suggest that majority benefit RT cancer, not central nervous system disease, limits length life.