Radiation Myelopathy: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Anika Iftekharuddin1, Vadim Gospodarev1, Namath S Hussain1
1Neurological Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, USA.
Cureus
|August 7, 2023
Summary
Proton beam therapy for osteosarcoma can cause delayed radiation myelopathy, a rare side effect. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for neurological symptoms after thoracic radiation treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Proton beam therapy is a precise radiation technique used in cancer treatment.
- Osteosarcoma is a primary bone cancer that can metastasize, often to the lungs or thoracic cavity.
- Delayed radiation myelopathy (RM) is a potential neurological complication following radiation therapy.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old male with distal right femur osteosarcoma developed thoracic metastasis.
- The patient received proton beam therapy directed at the left thorax for metastatic disease.
- Nine months post-treatment, the patient exhibited clinical and radiographic signs of delayed radiation myelopathy.
Findings:
- The case presents a rare instance of delayed radiation myelopathy.
- The neurological complication occurred in the thoracic spinal cord following proton beam therapy.
- This suggests a potential link between thoracic proton beam therapy and the development of RM.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for vigilance in identifying delayed radiation myelopathy after thoracic radiation.
- Further research is warranted to understand the incidence and risk factors for RM following proton beam therapy.
- Clinical monitoring protocols may need to be adapted to include neurological assessments in patients treated with proton beam therapy for thoracic conditions.
