Brain Tumours

RATIONALE FOR HIPPOCAMPAL AVOIDANCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH WBRT • Hippocampus has a central role in learning and memory functions, especially in the episodic memory (process of forming new memories of events or facts). • Neuronal stem cells in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus are responsible for maintaining neurogenesis, which is critical for preserving memory functions. • Irradiation of the hippocampus in patients receiving radiation therapy for nasopharingeal, maxillary, pituitary and skull base tumors is associated with impairment in the learning and memory domain. Gondi et al, JCO 2010; Gibson and Monje, Curr Opin Oncol 2012