Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:01
Modeling Brain Metastasis by Internal Carotid Artery Injection of Cancer Cells
Published on: August 2, 2022
Radiotherapy for metastatic brain tumors.
Yuta Shibamoto1, Chikao Sugie, Hiromitsu Iwata
1Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Japan. yshiba@med.nagoya-cu.ac.jp
International Journal of Clinical Oncology
|August 26, 2009
Summary
Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is evolving. Optimal treatment for brain metastases now involves tailored fractionation schedules or stereotactic boosts, moving beyond the standard 30 Gy in ten fractions approach.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for brain metastases.
- Stereotactic irradiation has reduced the use of conventional radiotherapy.
- Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) remains standard for multiple brain metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review conventional radiotherapy outcomes for brain metastases.
- To discuss optimal treatment strategies, including fractionation and stereotactic irradiation combinations.
- To evaluate the impact on neurocognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on conventional radiotherapy for brain metastases.
- Analysis of fractionation schedules and combination therapies.
- Assessment of neurocognitive effects associated with WBRT.
Main Results:
- The standard WBRT regimen (30 Gy in ten fractions) is not universally optimal for all patients with multiple brain metastases.
- Fractionation schedules and the addition of stereotactic boosts should be individualized.
- Treatment decisions must consider patient condition, disease status, and life expectancy.
Conclusions:
- WBRT with 30 Gy in ten fractions is outdated as a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Personalized WBRT fractionation or WBRT with a stereotactic boost offers a more optimal strategy.
- Tailoring treatment based on individual patient factors is crucial for managing brain metastases effectively.
