title: Radiation therapy in tumors of the central nervous system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the role of radiation therapy in the management of primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS).
  
  
  METHODS
  Book chapters, review articles, and research studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiation therapy plays an important role in the management of primary and metastatic tumors of the CNS. Radiation and surgery are combined with curative intent for low-grade tumors. Cranial radiation may be used to prevent brain metastases, and palliative radiation may be used to alleviate symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Helping patients with tumors of the CNS and their family members understand the anticipated side effects of the disease and the therapeutic goals of radiation therapy may help to alleviate anxiety and maintain an optimal quality of life during therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland at Baltimore 21201, USA.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Strohl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010346:Patient Care Management