Biomarkers of radiation-induced vascular injury

Cancer survivorship has thrown the spotlight on the incidence of nonmalignant chronic diseases in cancer patients. Endothelial injury is increasingly recognized as a consequence of cancer treatment, particularly after radiation therapy (RT). This review is to provide a current understanding on the pathophysiological mechanisms and predictive biomarkers of radiation-induced vascular injury.

Radiation directly impacts vasculature by causing endothelial apoptosis and senescence, and alterations in normal homeostasis. This altered milieu at the endothelial surface may contribute to a systemic chronic inflammatory state that is superimposed upon the cascade of normal senescence processes leading to acceleration of age-related disorders, atherosclerosis, and chronic fibrosis. Vasculature imaging, blood-based or cell-component biomarkers, and signatures of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and radiomics are potential tools for detection of vascular damage after irradiation.

Development of a valid prediction model by combining an array of imaging tools, blood-based biomarkers, coupled with novel predictors like exosomes and metabolic degradation products can serve to identify RT-induced vascular injury early for subsequent introduction of newer therapeutic approaches to counter radiation morbidity.