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. © 2007, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica.