PCI

[wondermom]

Just a quick question. Is PCI the same as WBR or what is the difference? I have just seen both as treatment in peoples posts.

[twodogs]

Mom,

Yes, they are the same. Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation, (PCI) is Whole Brain Radiation, (WBR). At least, that's what they told me.

John

(Had to edit, couldn't spell PCI)

[donnalee]

PCI is done to prevent metastasis to the brain whereas WBR is done to treat the brain after the cancer has metastasized. I also think that the dose of radiation given is less in PCI.

[twodogs]

Donnalee,

Your answer may be more accurate than mine. I was running on memory and that's dangerous for me.

[Connie B]

PCI is given in lower doses and it is given as a preventative measure. That I know of it is only offered to SMALL CELL lung cancer patients and not NON SMALL CELL.

It is NOT the same as WBR.

[ztweb]

Yes and no. It is whole brain radiation, but it is at a much, much lower level. The side affects are not as severe. It is used as a preventative, rather than as a treatment. My dad had it, and as of yet, we haven't seen much for side affects...granted, we were told that everyone who has PCI suffers from some form of dimensia. She said it would be at worst losing keys, forgetting to take meds, etc. She said he should always know who we are and such.

Bless you!

Jen