Radiation-induced peripheral neuropathies: Etiopathogenesis, risk factors, differential diagnostics, symptoms and treatment

Abstract

The success of radiation oncology has lead to longer patient survival. This provides a greater opportunity for radiation injuries of the peripheral nerves to develop. Peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients may result from either tumor recurrence or as a consequence of radiation therapy. Distinguishing between radiation injury and cancer disease recurrence as a cause of nerve dysfunction may be difficult. In this article the etiopathogenesis of radiation-induced peripheral neuropathies has been discussed as well as main risk factors, symptoms and method of treatment

Psychological side effects of radiation therapy on cancer patients.

“…Radiation therapy has an impact on both your thoughts and feelings in addition to your physical health. 15,16 The sort of radiation side effects the patient experience varies on the dose and schedule recommended. Most adverse effects go away within a few months of treatment being finished.…”

“…A crucial component of cancer care and therapy is relieving side symptoms, commonly known as palliative or supportive care. 16 Even if the patients obtain the recommended amount of rest and sleep, they may still feel physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. Patients often feel worn out.…”

“…Cancer-related fatigue is commonly characterized by exhaustion after resting and a lack of energy for daily duties. 16 Sometimes receiving radiation to the breast might result in radiation pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs. Radiation pneumonitis is the medical term for lung inflammation caused by radiation therapy to the chest (or, less frequently, the breast).…”

Radiation-induced neuropathies in head and neck cancer: prevention and treatment modalities

“…This process is orchestrated by a dramatic increase in oxidative stress along with amplified signalling of inflammatory cytokines. Neuroinflammation is stimulated as a consequence of lysosomal digestion of necrotic neural tissues by neighbouring cells [34,122]. Brachial plexus is defined as a network of nerves emerging from the upper cervical and thoracic part of the spinal cord.…”

Radioterapi Eksternal terhadap Nilai Ambang Eksitabilitas Saraf Fasialis pada Radioterapi Eksternal Penderita Karsinoma Nasofaring

“…Pengaruh radiasi pada saraf perifer dapat berupa neuropati, paralisis saraf perifer, miokimia lokal, atau neuromiotonia. 9 Kelainan yang terjadi pada saraf tepi atau perifer setelah tindakan radioterapi lebih banyak dilaporkan sebagai akibat efek samping lanjut. Kerusakan serabut saraf yang lambat oleh karena radiasi diperkirakan sebagai akibat dari kerusakan langsung pada serabut saraf atau sebagai akibat tidak langsung kerusakan endotel pembuluh darah yang memperdarahinya dan terdapatnya iskemia pada jaringan sekitarnya.…”