The example of gastrointestinal damage induced by ionising radiation: are there accessible markers?

Ionising radiation exposure occurs during radiotherapy, diagnostic tests or by accident. In all cases the gastrointestinal tract, which is highly sensitive to radiation, may be at risk. Each region may respond differently to radiation exposure which to some extent is reflected by clinical symptoms. The evaluation of injury, whether acute or chronic, depends on the utilization of a variety of techniques. It appears that no definitive tests exist and that a multiparametric analysis should be undertaken. This review addresses the question of accessible markers associated with radiation-induced intestinal pathologies. Several approaches are discussed which include clinical observations, measurement of faecal parameters, changes in inflammatory mediators and possible applications of imaging techniques.