BRAIN METASTASIS

Understanding Brain Metastasis with Dr. Ramji Rajendran-Radiation Oncologist-Medical Advisor

“I am honored and grateful for the time and expertise that Dr. Rajendran has dedicated towards educating us on this very important topic. I feel it is extremely important that everyone should understand the symptoms and the treatments regarding brain metastasis. I hope you find this page to be a resource to empower you with knowledge.” xxooo, Cynthia  

Brain Metastasis

The brain is a critical organ that controls many of the parts and functions of the human body. So, naturally when someone who is already fighting breast cancer is diagnosed with brain metastasis, it can be especially devastating to both the patient and their family.

But it is important to understand what a brain metastasis is and why it’s different from a primary brain tumor. Unlike a primary brain tumor, which forms on the inside of the brain, brain metastasis form on tissues outside of the brain. This classifies them as secondary brain tumors. In some cases, this type of tumor may still respond to breast cancer specific treatments, but due to a special protective mechanism called the blood brain barrier, many breast cancer treatments do not reach the brain. In these types of situations, radiation therapy and surgery remain the most effective treatments for brain metastasis. 

Presentation of Brain Metastasis

Any patient with breast cancer can potentially present with metastatic disease. While metastasis can develop anywhere in the body, the brain is unfortunately one of the most common sites for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The most common symptoms of breast cancer-related brain metastases include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Behavioral changes
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Vision and/or hearing problems
  • Seizures
  • Stroke

Diagnosis of Brain Metastasis

The initial evaluation of brain symptoms includes a complete review of the patient’s medical history and physical exam. Patients also undergo a neurologic examination to evaluate their motor strength, balance, reflexes, sensation, coordination, and cranial nerves. 

A CT scan of the head is performed to ensure that the neurologic symptoms are not being caused by bleeding or trauma and an MRI of the brain (with contrast) is performed to clearly delineate soft tissues within the brain and metastasis. 

Treating Brain Metastasis

To better understand the treatment for brain metastases, we will look at three different MRI scans to determine the type of presentation and treatment. The three representative MRI scans will demonstrate the thought patterns for surgical resection versus whole brain radiation therapy versus stereotactic radiation therapy (gamma knife radiosurgery).

In the images above, we see two MRIs of the brain of the same patient. Panel a demonstrates the tumor volume while panel b demonstrates the swelling caused by the tumor. This patient has a single large metastasis located in a part of the brain that the neurosurgeon determines to be safe, so they are an appropriate candidate for surgery. Surgery allows the tumor to be removed, so it can be further examined to verify that it is, in fact, a metastasis. The neurosurgeon can also examine molecular targets for treatment such as estrogen receptor or Her-2. The patient will undergo radiation therapy for about three weeks after surgery to help prevent the tumor from coming back.

In the images above, we see multiple slices of an MRI of a patient’s brain. These images demonstrate multiple tumors throughout the brain. Since multiple brain metastasis are causing the symptoms, this patient is an appropriate candidate for whole brain radiation therapy. This involves using external beam radiation therapy consisting of ten treatments delivered over two weeks.

In the image above, the MRI shows that the patient has what is classified as “limited” brain metastasis. Limited disease can be determined as either as 1-3 brain metastasis or multiple tiny metastasis. For this patient, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery will be the plan of action to treat the brain metastasis.

Logistics of Brain Radiation Therapy

  • Consultation
  • Simulation
  • Treatment Planning and verification
  • Treatment delivery
  • Side Effects
  • Follow up

Potential Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy can produce a range of different side effects, so it’s important to discuss them with your neurosurgeon. The most common short-term side effects can include:

  • Headaches (usually treated with Tylenol or dexamethasone steroid if caused by swelling of the tumor)
  • Hair loss (hair typically regrows in about 6 months after treatment)
  • Nausea and vomiting (usually treated with medications such as ondansetron and dexamethasone steroid)
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Hearing loss (rare and usually not severe)
  • Skin and scalp changes (usually redness and dryness)
  • Trouble with memory and speech (can occur in patients 6 months to two years after treatment but is usually prevented with the medication Memantine)

What is Gamma Knife Radiosurgery?

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a painless computer-guided treatment that delivers highly focused radiation to tumors and lesions in the brain. It is performed by a neurosurgeon while the patient is under local anesthesia.

The gamma knife allows for very small volumes of tumors to be treated to a very high dose of radiation. This is done by using a machine that emits 192 beams of radiation therapy all focused on one small volume. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can treat tumors as small as 3 mm in diameter and it can be used to treat 1-3 brain metastasis or low volumes of brain metastasis for select patients that have a good performance status and well-controlled cancer outside the brain.

Here is more information about gamma knife radiosurgery:

RadiologyInfo | Radiation Oncology Consultants

Ramji Rajendran-Radiation, PhD MD

“My joy is giving the patient a complete understanding of the role of radiation oncology in the treatment of cancer. That knowledge is powerful and pays forward as my patients can teach others.”


Ramji Rajendran MD, PhD
Radiation Oncologist

Discover Innovative Therapies for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

At Learn Look Locate, we understand the unique challenges of breast cancer brain metastases. Collaborating with BreastCancerTrials.org, we offer information on trials specifically for patients with brain metastases. Learn about studies on targeted therapies, advanced radiation approaches, immunotherapies, and combination strategies designed to improve outcomes for this complex condition.