[Prophylactic brain irradiation and radiotherapy of brain metastases of small cell lung cancer].

The report presents the results of cranial irradiation of 44 small cell lung cancer patients with clinically-identified intracranial metastases and 40 patients for metastatic spread prevention. Whole brain irradiation was carried out with single doses of 2-4 Gy (total dose--30-40 Gy) in both groups 5 times weekly. Patients irradiated for metastasis prevention revealed a 3.3-fold decrease in intracranial metastasis frequency and a good post-treatment tolerance. In the other group, radiation failed to reach tumor lesions in 20%; treatment produced a poor effect in 30%. There was a correlation between survival time, initial expansion of process and tumor response to primary treatment. No relationship was observed between survival time and procedure and duration of cranial irradiation. Prophylactic irradiation may be beneficial in responders to therapy. However, randomized research into the effectiveness of preventive irradiation and possible radiation injury to cranial and brain tissues is required, particularly, in patients responding to primary treatment by complete regression of localized tumor.