[Radiation therapy of brain metastases]

Since January 1972, 87 patients with brain metastases were treated by radiotherapy. The lung was the most common site of the primary tumor (82%), breast was a distant second in frequency (9%). Patients were received hole brain irradiation using lateral opposing fields plus boost irradiation to involved area, if it was possible. The scheduled dose of irradiation was 51 Gy in 4 weeks, and 60 Gy in 6 weeks. About 80% of patient received symptomatic relief, and tumor regression in CT, 30% of them revealed complete regression. The median survival time was 8 months who received the dose more than 4 Gy, and the one year survival was 63%, in cases brain metastases were the only tumor site.