The effect of low-temperature argon plasma on neuromuscular excitability in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy

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BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment but often leads to side effects such as radiation dermatitis and fibrosis. These adverse effects negatively impact upper limb function and reduce patients’ quality of life. Preventing radiation-induced reactions and fibrosis requires a multidisciplinary approach. While the effectiveness of comprehensive medical rehabilitation—including physiotherapeutic prevention, psychological correction, therapeutic exercises, and nutritional support — is well-documented, research on the application of low-temperature argon plasma remains limited. AIM: To evaluate the effects of low-temperature argon plasma on neuromuscular excitability in breast cancer patients undergoing external radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. All participants received a medical rehabilitation program that included general magnetotherapy, therapeutic exercises, training on biofeedback-based weight-bearing platforms, nutritional support, and psychological correction. Patients in the main group (n=30) additionally underwent low-temperature argon plasma treatments. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale, and neuromuscular excitability testing conducted with the Eleskulap-Med TeKo device (Med TeKo,Russia; registration certificate No. FSR 2011/09988, dated February 4, 2011). RESULTS: At the completion of radiation therapy and comprehensive rehabilitation, statistically significant differences were observed in radiation reaction severity between the main group and the comparison group (p=0.016), as assessed by the RTOG scale. Significant improvements were also noted in neuromuscular excitability parameters of the pectoralis major muscle (pars sternocostalis) and pars clavicularis in the main group. CONCLUSION: Low-temperature argon plasma therapy reduces neuromuscular system impairments in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, supporting its role as an effective component of multidisciplinary medical rehabilitation.