Editorial for "Relationship Between Microstructural Alterations and Cognitive Decline After Whole‐Brain Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases: An Exploratory Whole‐Brain MR Analysis Based on Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging"

The article discusses the relationship between cognitive decline and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in patients with brain metastases. The absence of established biomarkers makes it challenging to evaluate and predict radiation-induced brain changes associated with cognitive decline. The study presents a novel imaging-based prediction model using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) measurements to assess cognitive impairment in patients treated with WBRT. The findings provide insights into vulnerable neuroanatomical structures and offer a promising clinical tool for monitoring and evaluating treatment effects. However, further research and validation are needed for the translation of this imaging marker into clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]