WBRT
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Whole-brain radiation therapy |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
WBRT stands for Whole-brain radiation therapy, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Radiation delivered to the entire brain, traditionally used for multiple brain metastases, leptomeningeal disease and as prophylaxis in some cancers. It improves control of brain tumors but can cause fatigue, hair loss and long-term memory and thinking problems.
Example: Fifteen brain metastases from SCLC: hippocampal-avoidance WBRT with memantine.
Usage notes
Concern about cognitive decline has shifted many patients with limited metastases to stereotactic radiosurgery instead. When WBRT is used, the NRG Oncology CC001 trial (2020) showed that sparing the hippocampus and adding the drug memantine better preserved memory. Typical regimens deliver 30 Gy in 10 fractions.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.