Radiation therapy for metastatic brain tumors

One hundred and nineteen cases of patients with intracranial metastasis treated by irradiation were evaluated from a radiotherapeutic point of view. When the radiation dose was more than 30 Gy, clinical improvement was observed in 77% of cases. In order to prolong survival, however, more than 50 Gy should be administered. In the treatment of patients with metastatic brain tumor, it is important to evaluate properly the condition of the primary tumor and its metastatic spread, and to select carefully the most appropriate treatment for the patient condition. (author)