RATIONALE: Assessment of patients undergoing radiation therapy may help to determine the effects of the treatment and may help improve cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: This clinical trial is studying the memory skills in patients receiving radiation therapy for brain metastases.

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the feasibility of performing a test battery consisting of five neurocognitive measures and a quality of life instrument following radiotherapy in patients with brain metastases.

OUTLINE: Patients undergo radiotherapy 5 days a week for 3 weeks. Quality of life and neurocognitive function is assessed before study, at completion of radiotherapy, and at 1 month after completion of radiotherapy. Patients are followed at 1 month.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 50 patients will be accrued for this study over 5 months.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven primary malignancy No primary site of hematopoietic origin (leukemia) No leptomeningeal involvement At least 1 measurable brain metastasis by CT or MRI

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Not specified Performance status: Zubrod 0-1 Life expectancy: At least 3 months Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception Neurological function classification 0-2 No major medical illnesses or psychiatric impairments that would preclude study

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to the brain Surgery: Not specified