The effects of radiation therapy on bones
Disease description:
Recently, I've been receiving radiation therapy at the hospital and have been feeling pain in the bones of my hands. I'm not sure if this is caused by the radiation therapy. I'd like to ask, what are the effects of radiation therapy on bones?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Peng Xiaodong
Radiation therapy may lead to osteoporosis and increase the risk of vertebral compression fractures in patients. If the radiation dose is relatively high, it can adversely affect fibroblasts and osteocytes, potentially causing osteoporosis. In the later stages after radiation therapy, blood flow within mature bone tissue may decrease, leading to increased mineral content or brittleness in the bone, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.
