Palliative irradiation of brain metastases.

The records of 121 patients with brain metastases from a 3-year-period were reviewed. Radiation therapy was given to 113 patients, 80 per cent received 30 Gy in 2 weeks. Before irradiation 11 were operated upon. Significant neurologic improvement was obtained in 60 per cent of the irradiated cases. Recurrences, retreatment and the necessity of higher initial doses in selected cases are discussed.