International Journal of Hematology and Oncology
2025, Vol 35, Num 1 Page(s): 180-185
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Pathophysiology and Treatment of Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy
Erkan TOPKAN1, H. Cem ÖNAL1, M. Nur YAVUZ1, A. Aydın YAVUZ1
Baskent University, Medical Faculty, Department of Radiation Oncology, ADANA
Keywords: Brachial plexus, Plexopathy, Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a well proven effective treatment modality in the management of various cancers. However, radiation therapy has potentially adverse effects on several tissues including central and peripheral nervous systems. Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy is a rare but challenging complication of RT in patients undergoing chest, axillary, and neck irradiation because of myriad of primary or malignant tumors of these region. It is a progressive disease state which may lead to devastating sensorial and motor malfunctions. Currently, there is no generally accepted treatment method, but non-narcotic and narcotics and anesthetic interventions for grade 1 and 2 lesions are suggested. In grade 3 and 4 injuries, surgical interventions to prevent fibrosis of the vascular supply to the nerves and to release nerves from fibrotic constrictions should be considered.
Erkan TOPKAN1, H. Cem ÖNAL1, M. Nur YAVUZ1, A. Aydın YAVUZ1
Baskent University, Medical Faculty, Department of Radiation Oncology, ADANA
Keywords: Brachial plexus, Plexopathy, Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is a well proven effective treatment modality in the management of various cancers. However, radiation therapy has potentially adverse effects on several tissues including central and peripheral nervous systems. Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy is a rare but challenging complication of RT in patients undergoing chest, axillary, and neck irradiation because of myriad of primary or malignant tumors of these region. It is a progressive disease state which may lead to devastating sensorial and motor malfunctions. Currently, there is no generally accepted treatment method, but non-narcotic and narcotics and anesthetic interventions for grade 1 and 2 lesions are suggested. In grade 3 and 4 injuries, surgical interventions to prevent fibrosis of the vascular supply to the nerves and to release nerves from fibrotic constrictions should be considered.
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