Results of a randomized clinical trial comparing two radiation schedules in the palliative treatment of brain metastases

Radiother Oncol. 1993 Feb;26(2):111-6. doi: 10.1016/0167-8140(93)90091-l.

Abstract

In 216 patients with brain metastases two schedules of brain irradiation were compared in a randomized trial: one course of 18 Gy/3 fractions/3 days versus the same fractionation followed by a second course of radiotherapy with a one-month time interval. The second course was identical to the first one or delivered 25 Gy/10 fractions/14 days. No difference in overall survival, nor in the neurologic response or in the incidence of complications was demonstrated. Two clinical factors appeared to be prognostic of the overall survival: the presence of multiple brain metastases and the presence of extracerebral metastases.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Cranial Irradiation / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Palliative Care*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Survival Rate
  • Time Factors