Journal of International Oncology ›› 2021, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (1): 52-56.doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn371439-20200810-00010

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Prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction caused by radiotherapy to the brain

Peng Wenshuo, Chen Naiyao(), Hu Xia, Zhang Jingyi   

  1. Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
  • Received:2020-08-10 Revised:2020-11-20 Online:2021-01-08 Published:2021-01-21
  • Contact: Chen Naiyao E-mail:nychenncmc@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Hebei Provincial Government Funding Program for the Training of Outstanding Clinical Medical Personnel(H2013209253)

Abstract:

Radiation-induced brain injury is a serious untoward effect of radiotherapy for malignant tumors. Patients received radiotherapy frequently occur cognitive dysfunction which seriously affects the quality of life. Although the exact mechanisms regarding radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction remain unclear, prevention strategies targeting cognitive dysfunction are increasingly applied to clinical intervention, including whole brain radiotherapy with hippocampus avoidance, stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with multiple brain metastases, and pretreatment with neuroprotective drugs such as memantine and donepezil. In addition, measures including appropriate radiotherapy management models, regular cognitive tests, and therapeutic measures at the appropriate time are critical to improve the quality of life for brain tumor patients.

Key words: Radiation-induced brain injury, Cognitive dysfunction, Quality of life