Chronic neuroendocrinological sequelae of radiation therapy

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1995 Mar 30;31(5):1113-21. doi: 10.1016/0360-3016(94)00427-M.

Abstract

A variety of neuroendocrine disturbances are observed following treatment with external radiation therapy when the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) is included in the treatment field. Radiation-induced abnormalities are generally dose dependent and may develop many years after irradiation. Growth hormone deficiency and premature sexual development can occur following doses as low as 18 Gy fractionated radiation and are the most common neuroendocrine problems noted in children. Deficiency of gonadotropins, thyroid stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropin are seen primarily in individuals treated with > 40 Gy HPA irradiation. Hyperprolactinemia can be seen following high-dose radiotherapy (> 40 Gy), especially among young women. Most neuroendocrine disturbances that develop as a result of HPA irradiation are treatable; patients at risk require long-term endocrine follow-up.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / deficiency
  • Cranial Irradiation / adverse effects
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / deficiency
  • Growth Hormone / deficiency
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / radiation effects*
  • Luteinizing Hormone / deficiency
  • Pituitary Hormones / deficiency
  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / physiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / etiology
  • Puberty, Precocious / therapy
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Tolerance
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Thyrotropin / deficiency

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormones
  • Pituitary Hormones, Anterior
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Luteinizing Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Thyrotropin
  • Growth Hormone