Application Mechanisms and Clinical Prospects of Brain-Computer Interface Technology in Radiation-Induced Brain Injury.

Abstract

Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a common complication of radiotherapy that leads to neurological symptoms, significantly impairing patients' daily functioning and long-term rehabilitation. Consequently, the development of effective therapeutic strategies has received considerable attention. As an emerging approach in the management of neurological disorders, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology shows substantial potential for both the assessment and treatment of RIBI. This review synthesizes evidence retrieved from electronic databases and examines RIBI from the perspectives of its mechanisms and clinical manifestations. Current findings suggest that BCI technology holds promise for several applications in RIBI, including early diagnosis, mitigation of neuroinflammation, alleviation of associated symptoms, and prediction and management of complications. The implementation of BCI is likely to play a significant role in early assessment and treatment processes for RIBI. Furthermore, with ongoing technological advancements, the development of next-generation BCI is expected to enable more targeted treatment that address additional pathological mechanisms of RIBI, thereby progressively improving the quality of life for affected patients.