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Effects of radiation on the metastatic process
Nora Sundahl1,2, Fréderic Duprez3, Piet Ost3,4
1Department of Radiation-Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. nora.sundahl@ugent.be.
Molecular Medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)
|August 24, 2018
Summary
Radiotherapy can improve survival but may also promote cancer metastasis through various pathways. This review examines preclinical and clinical data on radiation
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis Research
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a cornerstone in cancer treatment, improving overall survival for many malignancies.
- Preclinical studies suggest radiation may promote cancer metastasis via direct and indirect mechanisms.
- Existing data on radiation's pro-metastatic effects are ambiguous, lacking definitive clinical proof.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize preclinical and clinical evidence on the metastatic effects of radiotherapy.
- To investigate the molecular pathways involved in radiation-induced metastasis.
- To clarify the local and systemic impact of irradiation on cancer spread.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of preclinical studies.
- Analysis of clinical observations and data.
- Emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying radiation's effects on metastasis.
Main Results:
- Preclinical data indicate radiation can enhance epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.
- Radiation's direct effects on cancer cells and indirect effects on the tumor microenvironment are implicated.
- Clinical evidence definitively proving radiation-induced metastasis remains limited.
Conclusions:
- Radiotherapy's role in cancer metastasis requires further investigation.
- Understanding the molecular pathways is crucial for mitigating potential pro-metastatic effects.
- Balancing therapeutic benefits with metastatic risks is essential in radiation oncology.
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