Radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis

The results obtained in a series of 64 patients with intracranial metastasis treated by radiotherapy between 1970 and 1974 are reported. The primary site was the breast in 32 cases, the lung in 24 cases, the skin (melanoma) in 5 cases, and the bones in 1 case; 2 patients had an unknown primary. All patients received a treatment with high energy (telecobalt therapy). The entire brain was irradiated by 2 lateral fields; 1.5 to 2 Gy were administered daily for a total dose of 30 to 40 Gy. The criterion for success was improvement of the functional capacity of the patient, i.e., regained intellectual awareness and physical abilities. To this aim, the patients were classified before and after therapy according to Order's neurological classification. An improvement was observed in 32 patients, whereas 21 patients remained essentially unchanged, and 11 patients worsened. Cerebral metastases from melanoma were radioresistant to the management. No influence on survival rate was observed.