Functional Assays for Individual Radiosensitivity: A Critical Review

Area of Science:

• Radiobiology
• Radiation Oncology
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Understanding radiation response mechanisms is key to assessing radiation-induced risks.
• Individual radiosensitivity, or the tendency for tissue reactions due to cell death, has been studied since the early 1900s.
• Developing predictive assays for radiosensitivity remains a significant challenge in radiobiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review major functional assays used to predict radiosensitivity.
• To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these predictive assays.
• To provide a comprehensive overview for researchers and clinicians.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on functional radiosensitivity assays.
• Analysis of assays based on clonogenic cell survival.
• Examination of assays measuring micronuclei, p21 expression, apoptosis, chromosome and DNA repair, and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Various functional assays exist for predicting radiosensitivity, each with specific advantages and disadvantages.
• Assays quantifying clonogenic cell survival, DNA repair, and molecular markers like p21 and apoptosis are discussed.
• The review highlights the complexities and challenges in accurately predicting individual radiosensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Functional assays provide valuable insights into predicting radiosensitivity.
• A thorough understanding of assay methodologies, strengths, and limitations is essential for accurate risk assessment.
• Further research and refinement of predictive assays are needed to improve radiation safety and efficacy.