whole-brain irradiation + chemotherapy

Whole-brain irradiation plus chemotherapy is a combination treatment modality used primarily for patients with brain metastases, especially from cancers such as small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Whole-brain irradiation (also called whole-brain radiotherapy or WBRT) is a type of external beam radiation therapy that delivers radiation to the entire brain to treat both visible and microscopic tumor deposits[1][2][4]. Chemotherapy involves the use of cytotoxic drugs that circulate systemically to target cancer cells throughout the body. The rationale for combining these modalities is to maximize tumor control by addressing both intracranial and extracranial disease. While each modality can be used alone, their combination may offer improved overall survival in select patient populations—particularly those who can tolerate aggressive treatment[6]. However, this approach remains under investigation and is not universally established as standard care outside specific contexts like SCLC with brain metastases[2][6]. The mechanism of action involves direct DNA damage from ionizing radiation (WBRT) and various mechanisms depending on the chemotherapeutic agents used (e.g., DNA intercalation, mitotic inhibition).

Other names

whole-brain radiotherapy + chemotherapyWBRT + chemotherapywhole-brain radiation therapy + chemotherapy