Radiation-Induced Leukoencephalopathy in Glioma Patients

Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) is a latecomplication of cerebral radiation therapy (CRT) used intreating gliomas. It involves progressive damage to thebrain's white matter, seen as T2/FLAIR hyperintensity onMRI. Risk factors include age, high radiation doses, andcumulative exposure. RIL is caused by mitochondrialdysfunction, blood-brain barrier disruption, andoligodendrocyte apoptosis, leading to neurocognitivedecline, ranging from mild memory issues to severedementia. While no cure exists, treatment focuses onmanaging symptoms, and research is exploring ways tominimize risk through lower radiation doses andtargetted therapies. This review aims to summarize keyfindings on RIL, focusing on its epidemiology,pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and existingtreatments.Keywords: Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy,Radiation, Glioma, Degeneration, Oligodendrocyte.