Radiation-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Glioma Patients

Authors

  • Syed Faisal Nadeem Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
  • Hania Fatima Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Zanib Javed Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi,
  • Muhammad Shahzad Shamim Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-101

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.
Keywords: Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy,
Radiation, Glioma, Degeneration, Oligodendrocyte.

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Published

2024-11-17

How to Cite

Syed Faisal Nadeem, Hania Fatima, Zanib Javed, & Muhammad Shahzad Shamim. (2024). Radiation-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Glioma Patients. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(12), 2199–2201. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.24-101

Issue

Vol. 74 No. 12 (2024): DECEMBER

Section

EVIDENCE BASED NEURO-ONCOLOGY

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.