Research Article: Self-reported practice patterns for cognitive preservation during whole-brain radiotherapy: a multinational cross-sectional survey of radiation oncologists in the Middle East and North Africa
Abstract:
Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) remains an important treatment for patients with diffuse brain metastases, but radiation-induced cognitive decline is a major concern. Hippocampal-avoidance WBRT (HA-WBRT) and memantine are recommended by international guidelines for eligible patients, yet the extent of their adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains unclear.
A cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to radiation oncologists practising across the MENA region between January and March 2025 by email and professional social media. Because distribution was open, no sampling frame or response denominator could be defined, so the sample is a convenience sample. The instrument assessed self-reported practice patterns, availability and reported utilisation of HA-WBRT and memantine, perceived barriers, and follow-up and cognitive-assessment practices. All proportions are reported at the respondent level. Categorical comparisons used the chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test with exact p values and odds ratios; multivariable logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors by centre was performed as an exploratory analysis. Reporting follows STROBE and CHERRIES.
In total, 124 radiation oncologists from 45 centres across 15 countries responded. HA-WBRT was reported as being routinely offered to eligible patients by 60 respondents (48.4%) and memantine by 34 (27.4%); 28 (22.6%) reported offering both routinely and 58 (46.8%) neither. When asked what proportion of their WBRT patients actually received both interventions, 70 (56.5%) answered never and only 4 (3.2%) more than 50%. Memantine was reported as available in the respondent’s centre by 48 (38.7%), while 66 (53.2%) did not know whether it was approved for brain metastases. The most frequently endorsed barriers were concern about missing intracranial disease (72; 58.1%) for HA-WBRT and lack of experience with the drug (84; 67.7%) for memantine. Formal cognitive testing was infrequent: 90 respondents (72.6%) reported using no cognitive assessment tool.
Among the radiation oncologists who responded, self-reported routine use of cognitive-preservation strategies during WBRT was limited, with reported utilisation lower than reported offering. These findings describe the practices reported by a convenience sample and should not be interpreted as establishing the prevalence of underuse across the MENA region.
Introduction:
Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) remains an important treatment for patients with diffuse brain metastases, but radiation-induced cognitive decline is a major concern. Hippocampal-avoidance WBRT (HA-WBRT) and memantine are recommended by international guidelines for eligible patients, yet the extent of their adoption across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remains unclear.
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