Radiotherapy warning issued
Friday 14th August 2009
Doctors should be wary of using radiotherapy to treat brain tumours until more is known about the long-term effects it may cause, a new study has warned.
Researchers at VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam found that the technique could cause patients to suffer a decline in mental function in the future, the BBC reports.
In a study of 65 patients who were treated for brain tumours 12 years ago, scientists said more than half of those who were exposed to radiotherapy showed signs of memory and attention problems, compared with just 27 per cent who only had surgery.
Study leader Dr Linda Douw said more research was needed into the effects of the treatment, but claimed doctors should be aware of the potential link.
"It always depends on the patient, but if it is possible to defer radiotherapy, maybe people should," she advised.
Dr Jeremy Rees, a Cancer Research UK scientist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Honorary, said doctors will usually see surgery as the preferred treatment method, with radiotherapy only used if the tumour progresses.
VU Medical Centre focuses on research across several key areas in patient care and research, including cancer, brain, vital functions and movement.
Written by Megan Smith
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