Brain metastases treatment with radiotherapy

Radiation therapy is one of the main ways to treat brain metastases. It works effectively alone or in addition to surgery or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy destroys metastases with X-rays and other forms of radiation in places that are difficult to access surgery. In this case, not only visible metastases die, but also microscopic ones that are not visible on MRI. As a rule, computer-aided radiation planning is done in advance. Standard MRI scans and, in some cases, CT are used. The examination results are essential for choosing the beam's type and direction and ensuring that the impact will be directed only to the metastasized brain area. The patient must remain completely motionless, so a special mask is made for him. The fixing mask keeps the heads in the correct position and ensures accurate irradiation.  The process itself is entirely painless and well-tolerated by many patients. Radiation therapy is carried out as daily therapeutic sessions called fractions. Oncologists determine their number and duration individually for each patient. It is usually repeated five days a week for seven or eight weeks.