Research progress in radiation-induced esophageal injury
10.3760/cma.j.cn113030-20241205-00466
- VernacularTitle:放射性食管损伤的研究进展
- Author:
Qiang FU
1
;
Yu LIN
;
Fei ZHENG
;
Yuanji XU
;
Wenji XUE
;
Ye ZHANG
;
Qifeng WANG
;
Jinbo YUE
;
Pei YANG
;
Wencheng ZHANG
;
Junqiang CHEN
Author Information
1. 华中科技大学同济医学院附属同济医院肿瘤科，武汉 430030
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Radiotherapy;
Radiation-induced esophageal injury;
Progress
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology
2025;34(9):874-881
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Radiation-induced esophageal injury (RIEI) is a frequent complication following radiotherapy for thoracic and head-neck malignancies, which may lead to severe sequelae including esophageal stricture and perforation, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and therapeutic outcomes. With advancements in radiotherapy techniques — particularly the adoption of unconventional fractionation regimens, concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and combined molecular targeted / immunotherapy — the incidence of RIEI has been increasing. In this review, recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, and management strategies for RIEI were comprehensively summarized. Current therapeutic approaches have evolved beyond conventional anti-inflammatory and nutritional support to include novel interventions such as targeted therapy, free radical scavengers, and microbiota modulation, etc. Future research should prioritize the development of optimized, individualized prevention and treatment protocols to mitigate RIEI risk and improve patient prognosis.
