Radiation Therapy to the Whole Brain and Spine, Followed by an Extra Dose of Radiation to the Back of the Brain

Abstract

Medulloblastoma is a rare but devastating brain cancer in children. The cancer can spread through the spinal fluid and deposit elsewhere in the brain or spine. Radiation therapy to the whole brain and spine, followed by an extra dose of radiation to the back of the brain, prevented this spread and became the standard of care. However, radiation used to treat such tumors causes damage to the brain and impairs cognitive function. It affects, especially in young patients whose brains are growing. Keywords: Cancer; Cells; Tissues; Tumors; Prevention; Prognosis; Diagnosis; Imaging; Screening, Treatment; Management