Advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of cognitive dysfunction after radiation therapy

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of brain tumors and one of the most effective treatment methods. However, brain injury is a serious complication. In regards to long-term brain injury caused by radiation therapy, cognitive dysfunction is the most common and serious. As the treatment of brain tumors improves, the survival time of patients with malignant brain tumors is significantly prolonged and the probability of cognitive dysfunction after radiation therapy is increased. Eliminating the delayed side effects caused by radiation therapy will significantly improve the quality of life of patients with malignant brain tumor and reduce the social burden. Therefore, the study of the pathogenesis and treatment of cognitive dysfunction after radiation therapy is of great significance. This review focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of cognitive dysfunction after radiation therapy.

Keywords

radiation therapy / cognitive dysfunction / hippocampus / neuronal regeneration / neuroinflammation