RADIATION THERAPY FOR BRAIN TUMORS
Understanding Your Treatment Options

Radiation Therapy Options for Brain Tumors

Brain tumor patients should discuss treatment options with several cancer specialists, including a radiation oncologist. A radiation oncologist helps a patient understand the types of radiation therapy available to treat his or her tumor. Typical radiation therapy treatment options for brain tumors include:

• External beam radiation therapy.
• Brachytherapy (seed implantation, also called internal radiation therapy).
  

External Beam Radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy is given in a series of daily outpatient treatments over several weeks to accurately deliver radiation to the brain. Sometimes radiation is used instead of surgery, and it is often given after surgery.

3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) uses multiple radiation treatment fields to deliver precise doses of radiation to the brain. Each of the radiation beams is tailored to the patient's tumor, allowing the radiation to target the brain tumor while avoiding nearby organs, such as the eyes.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advancement of 3D-CRT in that it modifies the intensity of the radiation within each of the radiation beams.

Stereotactic radiotherapy, sometimes called radiosurgery, is external beam radiation therapy that directs a high dose of radiation directly on the tumor, in some cases in only one treatment.

Proton therapy is similar to external beam therapy, using proton particles rather than X-rays to kill brain tumor cells. This treatment is only available in a few regions of the country.

Internal Radiation Therapy

Internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy places radioactive sources in or near a tumor.

During brachytherapy, a tube or balloon called a catheter is inserted into the brain. The radiation reaches the tumor through this catheter.

The radioactive source is then left in place for several hours or several days to kill the tumor cells.

Sometimes radiation is permanently placed directly into the tumor or the place where the tumor was before surgery.

Newer Techniques

New and improved ways to treat primary brain tumors are constantly being explored by physicians.

Combining radiation with radiosensitizers, which are drugs that make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation, may allow doctors to kill more tumor cells.

Some brain tumors are treated with both chemotherapy and radiation. Physicians may suggest that a patient consult with a medical oncologist (chemotherapy doctor) before beginning radiation.

Potential Side Effects

Brain radiation side effects vary depending on the tumor and the technique used to treat it.

Your radiation oncologist will discuss any and all possible side effects you may experience before, during and after treatment.

Possible side effects may include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, hair loss, visual changes, skin irritation, vomiting and/or unsteadiness.

Steroids or other medications may be used to treat side effects. Always discuss any problems or issues with your doctor.

Helpful Web Sites on Brain Tumors

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org

American Brain Tumor Association
www.abta.org

National Brain Tumor Foundation
www.braintumor.org

The Brain Tumor Society
www.tbts.org

National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov

< Back | Page 3