Optimizing prophylactic cranial irradiation for patients with lung cancer

Haiyan Zeng

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

Prophylactic cranial irradiation is an effective method to reduce the incidence of brain metastases in patients with lung cancer. However, it is associated with a risk of memory decline. This thesis aimed to optimize prophylactic cranial irradiation for patients with lung cancer by identifying patients who are more likely to develop brain metastases and who are at high risk to experience memory impairment. It found that the type of radiotherapy (twice-daily) to the lung tumor, younger age, and a larger tumor are associated with a higher risk to develop brain metastases. Besides this, special characteristics of the lymph nodes on a CT scan of the chest are also related to a higher chance to get brain metastases. As a novel finding, it was shown that memory impairment is dynamic in individual patients, evolving from sustained, reversible, recurring, and alternating. Patients having memory impairment before radiotherapy is the more likely to experience diminishing mind functions later.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • de Ruysscher, Dirk, Supervisor
  • Hendriks, Lizza, Co-Supervisor
  • Traverso, Alberto, Co-Supervisor
Award date12 Jul 2023
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789464694123
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • lung cancer
  • brain metastases
  • prophylactic cranial irradiation
  • cognitive impairment

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