The risks include cognitive impairment, problems with the nervous system, and even severe dementia. Researchers in Finland studied 160 patients who underwent surgery for brain cancer between 1980 and 1992. Researchers found the group that received radiotherapy performed significantly worse on cognitive tests than the group who did not receive radiotherapy. The radiotherapy group also had more central nervous system problems.
Researchers conclude postoperative radiotherapy poses many risks for adults with brain cancer.
The risks should be taken into account when deciding which treatment is right for the patient.