Brain Tumors: Primary - Radiotherapy

(Page 5)

Secondary Tumors. Of concern is a study reporting a few cases of second tumors developing in the areas treated with radiosurgery. The incidence appears to be very low, but experts suggest continued surveillance may be appropriate.

Specific Issues in Radiation Therapy for Small Children. In small children, radiation therapy can impair growth and learning. Precise radiation techniques, such as three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, may help some children while limiting the injury to healthy brain tissue. Growth hormone is often used after radiotherapy and is effective in restoring growth in many of these children. Although there has been some concern that growth hormone may increase the risk of relapse, a 2000 study reported that, in fact, these children had a lower rate of recurrence than those who did not take growth hormone.

Review Date: 10/19/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.