Gender difference in radiotherapy-induced carotid stenosis
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
Summary
Women undergoing laryngeal cancer radiotherapy have a lower incidence of carotid stenosis (CS) compared to men. Male patients also exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers, suggesting a gender-based difference in radiotherapy side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment for laryngeal cancer.
- Increasing incidence of carotid stenosis (CS) post-laryngeal RT noted.
- Gender disparities in radiotherapy side effects are recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in CS incidence after laryngeal cancer radiotherapy.
- To assess the impact of microinflammatory factors on CS development.
- To identify risk factors associated with CS in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 316 laryngeal cancer patients (164 males, 152 females) treated with RT (2006-2016).
- Carotid intima-media thickness measured to assess CS.
- Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) analyzed.
- Evaluated risk factors: age, RT modalities, dose, radiation field height, follow-up time.
Main Results:
- CS detected in 50.9% of patients, often asymptomatic.
- Significantly lower CS incidence in women (36.1%) compared to men (64.6%) (p=0.004).
- Male patients had higher serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Conclusions:
- Women undergoing laryngeal cancer radiotherapy are less prone to developing CS than men.
- Higher inflammatory markers in men may contribute to increased CS risk.
- Routine screening for asymptomatic CS is recommended post-laryngeal RT, especially for male patients.
