You are here:

Brain Tumors/pineoblastoma grade IV

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/24/2009


Question
Radiation oncologist says chemo and 3-4 weeks cranialspinal radiation and 2-3 weeks sterotactic radiation on tumor.  MRI of brain and spine show no signs of spreading.  lumbar puncture also shows no signs of spreading.  I'm 72 so they don't have alot of data on protocol for this.  I'm worried about quality of life issues as well as life expectancy.  Does the radiation (I assume the cranial spinal being worse) cause too much damage on healthy brain function?  Are there any other options?  Sounds like even if we tried the endoscopic surgery which is risky and uncertain that the radiation - at least cranial spinal- wouldn't be decreased.  Thanks  Stew

Answer
Unfortunately I do not think there are any other options. While radiation therapy of the central nervous system is no picnic we should not make it worse than it is. Besides there are no real choices here.  I do not think your craniospinal therapy will cause too much brain disturbance.  The experience of this situation is limited as you already know so there is not much information I can give you. But I agree with your doctor.


I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128

Brain Tumors

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.