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A member asked:
Would they order radiation on the brain if there was no cancer cells present in the brain?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Ask your DR: Radiation of any kind is not done without a very good reason.
Answered 3/24/2014
4.3k views
It depends: In general the answer is no. However, in small cell lung cancer-prophylactic cranial irradiation is recommended both for limited stage as well as for extended stage providing that the rest of the cancer is stable/improved after chemotherapy. Discuss further with your oncologist.
Answered 3/24/2014
4.3k views
Sometimes: Low-dose preventative brain radiation is used for some cancers, such as small cell lung cancer and some kinds of leukemia which often spread to the brain. The "blood-brain barrier" filters out chemo so it is a place where the cancer cells can "hide" from it. Radiation can kill the microscopic cells in the brain ; minimize the chance of them becoming tumors. It is proven to extend life in some.
Answered 3/24/2014
4.3k views
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