What Researchers Did
This article reviewed the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating cerebral radiation necrosis.
What They Found
Researchers found that the incidence of radiation necrosis has increased due to more frequent use of combined modality therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for brain tumours. Diagnosis is challenging as standard imaging resembles tumour recurrence, though a recent prospective randomised study confirmed bevacizumab's efficacy in treatment, alongside other historical and novel therapies.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada, nor does it involve Canadian researchers or patient populations.
Study Limitations
A limitation noted is the controversial accuracy of sophisticated imaging and nuclear medicine scans for diagnosing radiation necrosis.