INFO & BLOG
About diagnosis, treatment and recovery
What is the difference between a brain metastasis and a primary (brain-origin) tumor?
A brain metastasis is the spread of a cancer from another organ to the brain; treatment targets both the brain and the source cancer. A primary brain tumor begins directly in brain tissue.
Why is stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) preferred in most brain metastases?
SRS delivers a high, millimetrically focused dose to the metastasis while sparing healthy brain, targets multiple lesions in one plan and is usually delivered rapidly in few sessions. The sequencing is still decided at the council.
Is treatment possible when there are many metastases?
Yes; depending on lesion number, size and systemic status, a combination of SRS, hippocampal-sparing whole-brain radiotherapy and systemic therapy is planned at the council.
Do immunotherapy or targeted drugs reach the brain?
Some agents can cross the blood-brain barrier and are effective in brain metastases; suitability depends on the primary cancer and molecular profile and is timed with SRS/surgery by council decision.
When is surgery needed?
For a large, compressive/edematous, symptomatic or single dominant metastasis, and when diagnosis needs confirmation; resection is considered, then completed with SRS.
Will treatment affect cognitive function?
Because SRS spares surrounding brain, cognitive impact is minimized; when whole-brain radiotherapy is needed, a hippocampal-sparing technique is preferred.
Can brain treatment be done if my primary cancer is not controlled?
The decision is made at the council where brain and systemic disease are assessed together; often the brain is rapidly controlled with SRS while systemic therapy continues.
What is leptomeningeal spread and how is it treated?
It is the spread of cancer to the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord; MRI and CSF examination are used for diagnosis, and treatment is planned at the council with radiotherapy and suitable systemic/intrathecal options.
What documents are needed for a second opinion?
Primary cancer diagnosis with pathology/molecular reports, current brain MRI and systemic imaging (PET-CT), prior treatment summaries and current medication list.
How does the process work for international patients?
Your file is evaluated remotely, the council shares a preliminary plan and a transparent offer; visa, transfer, accommodation and medical interpreter support are provided.