Short survival after palliative radiotherapy for brain metastases in lung cancer: does the end justify the means?

People with lung cancer (LCa) and symptomatic metastatic disease deserve palliative radiotherapy to promote a better quality of remaining life. On the other hand, in the case being described that of a LCa patient with brain and spinal metastases who died shortly after irradiation-- could management consisting of hospice and/or supportive care have been a better choice? Prognostic factors were analyzed in this retrospective study of the early deaths of 20 LCa patients with brain metastases in order to assist in a more rational decision making regarding treatment.