Whole brain radiotherapy

Whole Brain Radiotherapy

Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), pronounced /ˈhoʊl breɪn ˌreɪdioʊˈθɛrəpi/, is a type of radiation therapy that is used to treat brain metastases, brain tumors that have spread from other parts of the body. The term originates from the English words "whole", "brain", and "radiotherapy", which refers to the use of radiation to treat medical conditions.

WBRT involves treating the entire brain with a uniform dose of radiation. This is in contrast to stereotactic radiosurgery, which targets a specific area of the brain. WBRT is often used when there are multiple brain metastases, or when the tumors are too large or too numerous to be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.

The goal of WBRT is to control the growth of brain metastases, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life. However, it can also have side effects, including fatigue, hair loss, and cognitive changes. These side effects can be managed with supportive care and medications.

WBRT is typically delivered in multiple sessions over a period of one to two weeks. The exact number of treatments and the total dose of radiation will depend on the patient's condition and the size and location of the tumors.

Related terms include radiation oncology, the field of medicine that specializes in the use of radiation to treat cancer; radiation therapist, a healthcare professional who administers radiation treatments; and radiosensitivity, the susceptibility of cells, tissues, or organisms to damage from radiation.

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Whole brain radiotherapy