Radiotherapy Glioblastoma multiforme, brain metastases

Radiotherapy for brain tumours

In order to avoid causing damage to important structures in the brain, brain tumours are often not removed completely by operation or are removed without a "safety margin". The post-operative radiotherapy is therefore an important part of the therapy plan. The radiotherapy technique used depends, among other things, on the type of tumour: still benign or already malignant, still growing slowly or already growing rapidly.

Adequate dose against the tumour, maximum protection for healthy brain tissue

Radiotherapy is generally carried out on brain tumours using linear accelerators. In order to achieve an adequate dose against the tumour while simultaneously protecting the healthy brain tissue, complex radiation techniques with several radiation fields from different radiation devices are generally required.

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Radiation therapies for brain tumours:

  • Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
    Adaptation of the radiation dose to complex shaped target areas
    • Intensity-modulated pendulum therapy
    • Tomotherapy
  • Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT)
    High radiation dose on a small target area in just a few sessions
    • Gamma knife
    • Cyber knife
  • Radiosurgery
    Irradiation of the complete dose in a single session ("from outside" or "from inside")
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Possible side effects:

The therapy may lead to acute side effects such as headaches or nausea. Your doctor will inform you in detail about the risks before the radiotherapy begins. In order to keep side effects to an absolute minimum, you will receive further recommendations.

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Important recommendations during radiotherapy for brain tumours:

  • In the case of radiotherapy in the head region we advise against driving a car immediately after the therapy.
  • Make sure you have a balanced diet and plenty of fluid.
  • Shower lukewarm with a mild washing lotion. The skin must not be irritated!

Not allowed: nicotine, alcohol, swimming, sauna, full bath.

This information serves merely as an initial guide. For a personal and detailed initial talk please make an appointment.