Long-term side-effect of radiation-stromal fibrosis

[Deleted User]

I am wondering if there are articles or more information available about "stromal fibrosis" after radiation therapy. 2.5 years post lumpectomy and radiation for ILC, with recent biopsy-proven diagnosis of "stromal fibrosis". Any information would be helpful! Thank you.

maggie15

Hi @mompinkcup.25, I’m sorry that radiation has come back to haunt you. In a small percentage of people radiation triggers overproduction of transforming growth factor beta 1. TGFB1 in the right amount promotes healing but when there is too much it causes inflammation, fibrosis and sometimes cancer. Excess collagen production leads to functional tissue becoming scar tissue and losing its ability to work (e.g. the lungs lose elasticity needed to transfer oxygen.) TGFB1 has been linked to a variety of diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, Barrett’s esophagus, Crohn’s disease, cardiomyopathy, cirrhosis, scleroderma and other autoimmune disorders. Sometimes it happens soon after treatment but it can occur up to 10 , 20 or even 40 years later (in people treated for lymphoma as young adults.) I had radiation induced fibrosis occur in the entire radiation field and my right lung. Radiation also caused the growth of precancerous cells in my esophagus and a rapid regrowth of an excised thyroid goiter (thankfully benign.) The pulmonologist my RO referred me to said he wasn’t surprised I was affected since I already had Barrett’s esophagus .

Unfortunately nothing has been shown to reverse the fibrosis caused by this out of control scarring. Vitamin E and pentoxifylline have been used to help radiation induced stromal fibrosis with limited success. Hyperbaric oxygen was suggested as a potential cure but I haven’t seen anything come of this. Physical therapy, massage and anti inflammatory meds can often help with symptom relief. I wish I had better news for you (and me.) As they say, “Radiation, the gift that keeps on giving.”