Why does brain radiation feel painless for 65-y/o LC patients?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am asking this for my mother, who is 65 and has been living with endometrial cancer that has now spread to her lungs. Recently, her oncologist confirmed that there is a small brain metastasis as well.

She is scheduled to begin whole-brain radiation therapy next week, and she is absolutely terrified. She keeps asking us if the radiation beams will hurt when they pass through her head.

My mother has always been very sensitive to pain, and even minor procedures like blood draws make her very anxious. Her recent MRI showed a 1.4 cm lesion in the left parietal region, and her neurologist mentioned it is likely due to the spread of the endometrial cancer.

She is not on any blood thinners but is currently taking Dexamethasone 4 mg twice daily to reduce swelling around the lesion. I tried to explain to her that radiation does not cause pain during the session itself, but she doesn't believe me and wants a doctor to confirm this for her.

I would like to know why brain radiation feels painless for most 65-year-old lung cancer patients. She is very particular about understanding the science behind everything, so a detailed explanation would really help calm her down before she begins next week.

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query, and I can understand your concern.

I sincerely hope your mother has a speedy recovery. First, I want to confirm that radiation therapy sessions are not painful. On the contrary, they can reduce hypersensitivity to pain and alleviate the neurological symptoms she is currently experiencing.

Generally, there are about five sessions, during which she will receive a palliative dose that targets the existing metastasis and helps prevent further spread to the brain, acting as a protective measure. Therefore, she needs to undergo these sessions.

It is expected that her neurological functions will improve with radiation therapy; without it, there is a risk of rapid deterioration. She should be encouraged and reassured that the sessions are not painful.

In addition to radiation therapy, we may consider immunotherapy afterward, as it can help shrink the tumor and prevent further spread, which will be beneficial in the next stage of her treatment. If she experiences pain from bone metastasis, palliative radiotherapy can also be administered to those areas.

It is crucial for her to take calcium, vitamin D, and multivitamins, along with receiving full nutritional support, including well-washed fruits and vegetables and plenty of fluids. Emotional support from the entire family is also very important.

I hope this is clear. Once again, the treatment is not painful and may alleviate many other symptoms.

Wishing her a speedy recovery, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you.

Why does brain radiation feel painless for 65-y/o LC patients?

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