BACKGROUNDIt has a high incidence that brain metastasis derives from lung cancer. Radiotherapy is the best choice for those patients who suffered from lung cancer with brain metastasis. The aim of this study is to observe the efficacy of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in lung cancer patients with brain metastasis and explore the nursing for those patients.

METHODSFrom June, 2002 to December, 2006, SRT was carried out in 43 patients who suffered from lung cancer with brain metastasis, as well as special nursing according to their conditions.

RESULTSAll the patients finished SRT and no serious adverse reaction and complication was found. Local control rate was 81.4%, the nervous system symptom relief rate was 76.7% and KPS score was raised significantly. Survival time ranged from 2 to 34 months, median survival time was 8.5 months, and 6-month, 1-and 2-year survival rate was 58.9%, 26.2% and 6.0% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSSRT is one of the effective palliation treatments for the patients who suffered from lung cancer with brain metastasis, which may prolong their survival and improve their quality of life with the assistance of effective nursing.