Article

Radiation-induced toxicity is a major cause of long-term disability after cancer
treatment. Radiation fibrosis describes the insidious pathologic fibrotic tissue
sclerosis that can occur in response to radiation exposure. Radiation fibrosis
syndrome describes the myriad clinical manifestations of progressive fibrotic
tissue sclerosis resulting from radiation treatment. Radiation-induced damage can
include "myelo-radiculo-plexo-neuro-myopathy," causing muscle weakness and
dysfunction and contributing to neuromuscular injury. Similarly, radiation damage
to neuromuscular structures contributes to radiation-induced trismus and cervical
dystonia in head and neck cancer survivors. This narrative review discusses the
pathophysiology, anatomy, evaluation, and treatment of neuromuscular,
musculoskeletal, and functional disorders that can result as late effects of
radiation treatment. Rehabilitation medicine physicians with extensive training
in neuromuscular and musculoskeletal medicine as well as in the principles of
functional restoration are uniquely positioned to help lead efforts to improve
the quality of life for cancer survivors with radiation fibrosis syndrome.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS