Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy in glioma patients
Document Type
Article
Department
Neurosurgery; Medical College Pakistan
Abstract
Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) is a late complication of cerebral radiation therapy (CRT) used in treating gliomas. It involves progressive damage to the brain's white matter, seen as T2/FLAIR hyperintensity on MRI. Risk factors include age, high radiation doses, and cumulative exposure. RIL is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, and oligodendrocyte apoptosis, leading to neurocognitive decline, ranging from mild memory issues to severe dementia. While no cure exists, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and research is exploring ways to minimize risk through lower radiation doses and targetted therapies. This review aims to summarize key findings on RIL, focusing on its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and existing treatments.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
DOI
10.47391/JPMA.24-101
Recommended Citation
Nadeem, S. F.,
Fatima, H.,
Javed, Z.,
Shamim, M.
(2024). Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy in glioma patients. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(12), 2200-2201.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_surg_neurosurg/406