Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
Published on: July 3, 2014
Effect of Radiotherapy on Vestibular Function Among Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients
Pei Fen Cheah1, Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya1, Po Lin Ooi2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Introduction:
Vestibular end-organs are deemed low-risk organs at risk (OAR) in the context of radiotherapy contouring in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment. To date, existing literature on the effect of radiotherapy on vestibular function among post-irradiated NPC patients remains elusive. The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of radiotherapy on vestibular function, specifically the semicircular canal (SCC), in post-irradiated NPC patients.
Methods:
A total of 31 post-irradiated NPC patients (10 patients in the prospective group and 21 patients in the cross-sectional group) were assessed by using the video head impulse test (VHIT) and adult dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) and compared with 36 healthy patients (control group). The vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) gain and the presence of saccade of individual SCCs were assessed and compared with the control group. VOR gain and the presence of saccade were correlated with the mean radiation dose of the cochlea.
Results:
VOR gain of all SCCs among post-irradiated NPC patients was grossly reduced, significantly seen in all the right-sided semicircular canals and left anterior semicircular canal (p < 0.05), corresponding with a high DHI score. Persistently reduced VOR gain was demonstrated among subjects 3 months post-radiotherapy (p > 0.05). Right lateral SCC saccade was significantly positively correlated with mean radiation of cochlea (r = 0.667).
Conclusion:
Vestibular hypofunction was demonstrated in SCC among post-irradiated NPC patients and is found to be progressive as well as radiation dose-dependent.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...