Radiation therapy for brain metastases

Your team may recommend focused radiation to one or a few areas, or treatment to a wider part of the brain when there are several deposits. Imaging helps the team map the target and protect nearby healthy tissue. Treatment may be given in one visit or over several visits. The choice depends on the number and position of metastases, previous treatment, symptoms and the cancer elsewhere in the body.

You may be offered medicine to reduce swelling around a deposit. Tiredness, headache, nausea, scalp irritation or temporary hair loss can occur, although experiences vary. Your team can explain which effects are more likely with the proposed technique and when they may appear.

Bring a current medicine list and tell the team about seizures, blood-thinning medicines, implanted devices and any earlier radiation. Ask how to manage steroids or anti-seizure medicine if these are prescribed; do not change them without guidance. Arrange help with transport if treatment or medicines affect concentration or balance. Keep follow-up imaging appointments so the team can assess the treated areas and the rest of the brain.

Contact your cancer team urgently for a new or worsening seizure, severe or persistent headache, repeated vomiting, new weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, fainting or a marked change in vision or balance. Sudden severe symptoms need emergency care. These symptoms can have several causes, including swelling, and need prompt assessment rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask which areas will be treated, why this approach fits your scans, how many visits are planned, whether medicine is needed for swelling, and how treatment may affect memory, concentration, movement or hair. Ask who to contact outside clinic hours and when follow-up scans are expected.