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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
08:25
Radiation Planning Assistant - A Streamlined, Fully Automated Radiotherapy Treatment Planning System
Published on: April 11, 2018
15.9K
TREATMENT OF LOCAL RADIATION LESIONS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.
Voprosy Onkologii
|November 27, 2018
Summary
Spinal cord stimulation effectively treated chronic, drug-resistant neuropathy pain in a patient with radiation-induced brachial plexopathy. This intervention reduced pain and analgesic needs, highlighting its potential for complex neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Oncology Rehabilitation
Background:
- Brachial plexopathy can occur as a delayed complication of radiation therapy for breast cancer.
- Chronic, drug-resistant neuropathic pain presents a significant challenge in patient care.
- Established treatments for neuropathic pain often have limited long-term efficacy.
Observation:
- A patient developed right-sided brachial plexopathy 10 years post-radiation therapy for breast cancer.
- Initial pharmacological treatments (antidepressants, anticonvulsants) provided temporary pain relief.
- Persistent pain and weakness led to the consideration of advanced interventions.
Findings:
- Epidural spinal cord stimulation of the cervical region was implanted for intractable pain.
- The patient experienced significant pain relief post-implantation.
- A notable decrease in analgesic medication dosage was achieved.
Implications:
- Spinal cord stimulation demonstrates effectiveness in managing chronic neuropathic pain secondary to radiation-induced plexopathy.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation in radiation-induced neurological disorders.
- This case highlights spinal cord stimulation as a viable therapeutic option for refractory neuropathic pain in oncology survivors.
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