Radiotherapy-Specific Chronic Pain Syndromes in the Cancer Population: An Evidence-Based Narrative Review

While radiation therapy is increasingly utilized in the treatment paradigm of many solid cancers, the chronic effects of radiation therapies are poorly characterized. Notably, understanding radiation-specific chronic pain syndromes is paramount given that the diagnosis and management of these conditions can serve to prevent long-standing functional impairments, optimize quality of life, and even allow for continued radiotherapy candidacy. These radiation-specific chronic pain phenomena include dermatitis, mucositis, enteritis, connective tissue fibrosis, lymphedema, and neuropathic pain syndromes. It is necessary to maintain a low threshold of suspicion for appropriately diagnosing these conditions as there exists a variance in when these symptoms arise after radiation. However, we present key epidemiological data delineating vulnerable cancer populations for each pain syndrome along with the available evidence for the management for each specific condition.

Automated summary

Radiation therapy is increasingly used in the treatment of solid cancers, but the chronic effects of these treatments are poorly understood. Understanding radiation-specific chronic pain syndromes is crucial for preventing long-term functional impairments, optimizing quality of life, and continuing radiotherapy for patients. It is important to maintain a low threshold of suspicion for diagnosing these conditions early, as symptoms may arise at different times after radiation treatment. Key epidemiological data and evidence for managing each specific condition in vulnerable cancer populations are provided.