Quality of life: Gamma Knife surgery and whole brain radiation therapy.
Cerebral metastasis of cancers originating outside the brain has traditionally been treated with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKS) provides safe and effective alternative treatment that is less invasive and has fewer side effects. Both WBRT and GKS are reviewed and discussed in terms of quality of life and health outcomes. The case studies of two individuals who underwent Gamma Knife surgery are presented.
Nesbitt
Janice
J
Gamma Knife Program, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba. JNesbitt@exchange.hsc.mb.ca
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017567:Karnofsky Performance Status; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome