Experimental drug may protect the brain against depression and cognitive impairment caused by whole brain radiotherapy

Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) saves lives by treating cancer that has spread to the brain, but it also causes long-standing brain damage. Many patients who go through radiation treatment later develop memory problems, thinking difficulties, and depression because the WBRT creates chronic oxidative stress in the brain. There are currently no medicines that adequately prevent this, so patients endure these effects of WBRT that significantly lower their quality of life.