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Treatment of Metastatic Adult Brain Tumors
Source: Adult Central Nervous System Tumors Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: January 5, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.
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Treatment of one to four tumors that have spread to the brain from another part of the body may include the following:
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Radiation therapy to the whole brain with or without surgery.
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Radiation therapy to the whole brain with or without stereotactic radiosurgery.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery.
Chemotherapy, if the primary tumor is one that responds to anticancer drugs. It may be combined with radiation therapy.
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Treatment of tumors that have spread to the leptomeninges may include the following:
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Chemotherapy (systemic and/or intrathecal). Radiation therapy may also be given.
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Supportive care.
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Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice