Radiation Therapy for Brain Tumors
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA Radiation therapy is a method used to kill tumor cells. It is often used with other methods such as surgery and chemotherapy. It may be used after surgery to kill tumor cells left behind. Sometimes, it is used to ease problems caused by the tumor. The types used are: Fractionated RadiationThis type is made by a machine outside of the body. Small doses are given to the tumor over a number of sessions. This can be given to a specific area or a wider area, including the central nervous system. Stereotactic RadiosurgeryThis method aims beams to a very focused place. As a result, higher doses can be used over less time. This is not a surgical procedure. It is often used when cancer has spread from other sites in the body. There are different types of machines that can be used to deliver SRS. Internal RadiationRadioactive material is placed in or near the tumor. This is not used often. References:Adult central nervous system tumors treatment (PDQ®)–health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq.
Accessed July 13, 2021.
Astrocytoma and oligodentroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Meningioma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/meningioma. Accessed July 13, 2021.
Overview of intracranial tumors. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/intracranial-and-spinal-tumors/overview-of-intracranial-tumors. Accessed July 13, 2021. Radiation therapy for adult brain and spinal cord tumors. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/radiation-therapy.html. Accessed July 13, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 7/13/2021 |
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