Reirradiation therapy for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer.

Three patients with recurrence of brain metastases from small cell lung cancer were treated with whole brain reirradiation therapy. A total dose of 20 Gy was administered to two patients with hyperfractionation (20 fractions) and to one with conventional fractionation (10 fractions). Two cases achieved PR and the other NC. Survival after reirradiation was four months for all patients. Two patients died of progressive brain metastases and one patient of liver metastases. No radiation injury was observed during follow-up. Whole brain reirradiation at a dose of 20 Gy in 10 or 20 fractions was therefore considered useful and safe for brain recurrence of small cell lung cancer.