PALLIATIVE RADIOTHERAPY FOR BRAIN METASTASES

Several studies have confirmed that results of different hypofractiona ted radiotherapy schedules for palliative purpose are similar to those of conventional higher doses. From 1992 to 1993, 56 consecutive patie nts with brain metastases were irradiated at our Institution. Three di fferent schedules were used ranging between 18 and 40 Gy. Overall surv ival, clinical and radiological responses were evaluated with regard t o schedules and prognostic characteristics of patient population. Ther e were no significant differences between the treatments, even though patients with shorter estimated life expectancy were more likely to be irradiated with more hypofractionated radiotherapy. Short, cost effec tive treatments appear to be the best therapeutic option both for inst itution and patients in most palliative cases.