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My boyfriend had SCLC that has metastasized to the brain. His oncologist has recommended whole brain radiation.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ohio, OH

We got a second opinion. The are recommending targeted radiation or hippocampus excluded if we do WBR to bypass the hippocampus since he has no lesions there. Any thoughts on targeted radiation

July 26, 2025
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Update they couldn't do targeted brain radiation because the lesions DOUBLED in size in just one month. We had HAWBR (avoiding Hippocampus) He did fine with 10 treatments. Now we wait two months and have an MRI

September 9, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you. It didn't start in the brain. It was SCLC that metastasized to the brain showing about 14 small lesions.

July 26, 2025
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had targeted radiation for a brain tumor (acoustic neuroma) in 2023 it was an easy pain free process. I also just had treatments for tumors in both hips. I say go for it! Best of luck.

July 26, 2025
MyLungCancerTeam

The choice between whole brain radiation therapy (WBR) and targeted radiation (stereotactic radiosurgery) often depends on several key factors:

- Number of brain tumors
- Size of tumors
- Location of tumors
- Overall health condition

If there are multiple tumors, whole brain radiation is typically recommended. However, if Show Full Answer

The choice between whole brain radiation therapy (WBR) and targeted radiation (stereotactic radiosurgery) often depends on several key factors:

- Number of brain tumors
- Size of tumors
- Location of tumors
- Overall health condition

If there are multiple tumors, whole brain radiation is typically recommended. However, if there are only one or few larger tumors, targeted radiation might be more appropriate. For SCLC specifically, brain metastases are quite common, affecting up to 80% of patients throughout the course of the disease. Treatment usually involves a combination approach that may include:

- Medications for pain and swelling control
- Radiation therapy (either whole brain or targeted)
- Other supportive treatments as needed

The suggestion to exclude the hippocampus during radiation shows thoughtful consideration for preserving cognitive function while still treating the cancer effectively. This personalized approach, taking into account the specific location of the lesions, demonstrates good attention to both treatment efficacy and quality of life.

July 26, 2025

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