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Brachial plexus neuropathy following mantle radiotherapy
1Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain))
|January 16, 1999
Summary
We report two cases of radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy following mantle radiotherapy for lymphoma. This complication, occurring at a standard dose, suggests potential interactions with chemotherapy or dose variations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Mantle radiotherapy is a standard treatment for lymphoma.
- Brachial plexus neuropathy is a known complication of radiotherapy, but not typically at this dose following mantle irradiation.
Observation:
- Two lymphoma patients developed presumed radiation-induced brachial plexus neuropathy after receiving 40 Gy in 20 fractions of mantle radiotherapy.
- Both patients had received chemotherapy during relapse prior to developing neuropathy.
Findings:
- This is the first report of radiation-induced brachial plexopathy after mantle irradiation at a dose of 40 Gy.
- Potential causes include enhanced radiation sensitivity, chemotherapy-radiotherapy interaction, or localized dose increase in the axilla.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to consider brachial plexus neuropathy in lymphoma patients treated with mantle radiotherapy, even at standard doses.
- Suggests further investigation into the mechanisms and risk factors for radiation-induced brachial plexopathy in this context.
- May inform future treatment protocols and patient monitoring strategies for lymphoma survivors.