Advances in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced brain necrosis: a narrative review - Report - MDSpire

Advances in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced brain necrosis: a narrative review

  • By

  • Zhihong Zhao

  • Wan He

  • Jinquan Xia

  • Xiangcheng Wang

  • Guixiang Liao

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Progress in Strategies for Preventing and Managing RBN

Overview

Radiation-induced brain necrosis (RBN) is a significant complication of radiotherapy, with an incidence of 5–25%. This review outlines the pathogenesis, prevention, and management strategies for RBN.

Background

RBN poses a serious challenge in neuro-oncology, often leading to cognitive impairment and neurological deficits. Understanding RBN's pathophysiology and implementing management strategies are essential.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the article.

Key Findings

  • RBN incidence ranges from 5–25%, primarily affecting patients treated for brain metastases.
  • Pathogenesis involves vascular injury and neuroinflammation, with key roles of HIF-1α/VEGF dysregulation.
  • Preventive strategies include advanced radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT and fSRS.
  • Pharmacological options for prevention include bevacizumab and neuroprotective agents like edaravone.
  • Established treatments for symptomatic RBN include corticosteroids and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
  • Innovations in imaging, such as MRS and PET/CT, enhance early detection and differential diagnosis of RBN.

Clinical Implications

Advanced imaging modalities can aid in differentiating RBN from tumor progression.

Conclusion

This review synthesizes current knowledge on RBN.

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  4. Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Effect of edaravone on radiation-induced brain necrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
  5. ACR Appropriateness Criteria Brain Tumors
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  7. The Impact of Margin Expansions on Local Control and Radionecrosis Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed
  8. Whole-brain radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in treatment of patients with brain metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis | Clinical and Translational Oncology | Springer Nature Link
  9. Incidence of Radiation Necrosis with Immunotherapy in the Management of Brain Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - ScienceDirect
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  12. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of bevacizumab therapy for radiation necrosis of the CNS - PMC
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