WBRT X2

dewey · Regular Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

Hello,
My Dad is still feeling well but unfortunately his latest MRI shows new brain mets. He already had WBRT 11 months ago and everything had shrunk up until the latest MRI. Our oncologist said there are too many mets for cyberknife so he is suggesting a second round of WBRT. He says he will have to use a lower dose. Then we will do a follow up MRI after 6 weeks and maybe hit the larger ones with cyberknife. Does anyone have experience with a second course of WBRT? He tolerated the first one very well.
Thanks,
Dustin

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1302

Hi Dustin,

Gosh, I have no clue about a second round. I didn't even know they could do WBR twice. I hope someone will stroll in that has some answers for you.

If not, go to Dr. West's board at CancerGRACE.org and ask him. He'll have the best answer for you as he is an oncologist with a specialty in lung cancer.

At any rate, I wish your Dad good luck with the next round.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

dewey · Regular Joined: 21 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

Thanks PBJ but even Dr West didn't know about this one! He said it was possible but he had never had a patient do it. I found one article on the Internet that gave ranked treatment options for brain mets and it did show WBR a second time for recurrence of brain mets. I've also found some info about a few drugs that have been show to increase the sensitivity of the tumors to the radiation so I will ask our oncologist about that.
The recurrence of the brain mets came as a total shock because Dad is doing so well. The spot in his chest is still shrinking and after 11 months it has not shown up anywhere else.

pbj11 · Site Admin Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 1302

Hi Dustin,

Wow -- this has got to be a very frustrating situation. Well controlled everywhere but the darn brain. I didn't think I recalled seeing WBR twice, so glad to hear you found similar info from Dr. West.

Have you checked into any clinical trials? I recall one person that used snake or scorpion venom for brain mets. I know, sounds crazy, but it was a real treatment being tested. I'm not sure where it was done. The problem is, as I'm sure you know, chemo agents don't cross the blood/brain barrier. It's a tough situation and my heart goes out to you.

Good luck and it sounds like you are busily researching options for your Dad. He is lucky to have you.

PBJ
_________________
Husband diagnosed with NSCLC Stage IV. (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) Fought & lived 2 1/2 years with multiple lines of treatment.

Post describing our battle: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=7026&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

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