Radiotherapy to a Brain Tumour Cancer Services Information for patients i
Introduction When your consultant talked to your about the treatment options available, the side effects of radiotherapy will have been explained. The side effects that you may experience are dependent upon the area of the brain that is treated. Your consultant will explain to you which area of the brain is affected and the type of side effects you may get. They are often discussed in terms of early and late side effects. If your doctor has recommended temozolomide chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy, you will be given additional leaflets about this treatment. Early side effects The early side effects of radiotherapy to the brain are: Hair loss - any hair directly in the treatment area will come out. You may also lose some hair on the opposite side of your head, but your hair will usually return over a period of months. Please tell the radiographers if you have not made arrangements for a wig, and would like one. We can arrange for you to see a professional wig stylist within the hospital. You may find it helpful to have your hair cut short before your treatment, and to choose a wig before you lose your hair, so that you can match the style and colour. 2
Early side effects (continued) It is important to remember: When you wash your hair, use a baby shampoo and warm (not hot) water. Avoid using a hairdryer, as the heat may damage the skin. Do not use hair spray gels while you are on treatment and for three to fours weeks after completion of treatment. Avoid perms and hair colouring for at least six months after your treatment. Do not swim if you have red skin, and do not use a sunbed. Avoid direct exposure from the sun to the treated area. Nausea, vomiting and headaches - please inform the radiographers if you experience these, as you may require medication to relieve the symptoms. Seizures (fits) - you may already have experienced seizures, which may be controlled by an anti epileptic drug. However, the radiotherapy may cause the fits to come back or be more frequent. This is because the radiotherapy can cause some swelling of the brain. Please continue with your normal medication unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Tiredness - during your course of treatment there is no need to alter your lifestyle radically, but you may feel tired. This may be related to your illness, or to your treatment. Please be sensible and rest if you feel you need to. This could be worse around six weeks after end of treatment. 3
Early side effects (continued) Somnolence (sleepiness) - this occurs during treatment and can increase for a time after the radiotherapy has ended. You may find that you generally slow down and have very little energy. This period of lethargy is worse about two weeks after treatment but usually starts to improve within another week. Change in appetite - you may find that food tastes different. If your appetite is affected, try and eat little and often. 4
Late side effects These generally take much longer to develop, and can occur from three months to several years after you have finished treatment. It can be difficult to predict what late effects may be seen as a result of your radiotherapy treatment until the planning of your treatment is completed and the exact focus of the radiation beam is decided upon. By using modern planning techniques we aim to reduce the chance of late effects happening. The side effects listed below occur in a small number of patients: Some patients find that they suffer with some form of memory loss. A small number of patients may have some problem with hormone levels, which can become too low if the pituitary gland is treated. If the radiation dose to the lens of the eyes exceeds a certain level, it is possible that you may suffer from cataracts in later life. If this is a potential problem we will take special measurements during your course of radiotherapy treatment. There are also treatments available should cataracts occur, and you will be monitored closely once you have finished your treatment. Your consultant will discuss the possible side effects with you, and also the benefits of having this treatment. Driving - All drivers who have a brain tumour must contact the DVLA and inform them of their diagnosis. Failure to comply with these regulations is illegal and potentially dangerous; this will make your car insurance invalid and can incur a fine. 5
Contact details Please ask us if you are worried about any aspect of your treatment, or contact the Radiotherapy Department on the number you have been given. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. If you have any queries or problems once your treatment is finished, you can contact the Neuro-Oncology Nurse Specialist; Mobile: 07534 227963 6
Any questions? Write them here to remind you what to ask when you come for your examination. 7
If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on 0116 250 2959 Radiotherapy Patient Information Group Radiotherapy to a brain tumour Edition 6: June 2014 Reviewed June 2016 For review June 2018 CAN165-0616