LncRNAs: key regulators and molecular mechanisms in lung cancer radiosensitivity

Lung cancer presents a major global public health challenge due to its high incidence and mortality rates, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment strategies. Radiotherapy, a cornerstone in lung cancer treatment, faces significant limitations due to both intrinsic and acquired radioresistance in tumors. Recent researches have identified long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as critical regulatory factors that significantly affect the radiosensitivity of lung cancer cells. These lncRNAs are involved in key biological processes, including DNA damage repair, apoptotic signaling, cell cycle progression, tumor microenvironment remodeling. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the molecular mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence radiosensitivity and assesses their potential as predictive biomarkers for radiotherapy. Additionally, it analyzes the potential of lncRNA-based intervention strategies to overcome radioresistance and enhance radiotherapy regimens. The goal is to provide a robust theoretical foundation for advancing precision radiotherapy in lung cancer. In summary, lncRNAs function as multidimensional regulators of lung cancer radiosensitivity and represent promising targets for radiosensitization in the precision medicine era.