Radiation protection and secondary cancer prevention using biological radioprotectors in radiotherapy

Abstract

Radiotherapy is the feasible treatment approach for many malignant diseases and cancers. New radiotherapy techniques such as ion therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and intensity modulated radiation therapy deliver higher low dose radiation to large volume of normal tissues and are in debating as more secondary cancers inducers. A secondary cancer after radiotherapy is an important issue that reduces treatment efficiency and should be decreased. Radioprotective compounds are of importance in clinical radiation therapy for saving normal tissues. In the present study, we are so interest to introduce, suggest and review the application of biological radioprotectors in radiotherapy. We propose probiotics, prebiotics, gas, vitamin and nanoparticle producing microorganisms as new biological systems based radioprotectors to protect normal tissues. Also, we reviewed the main biological pathways, molecules and also radioadaptive response that act as radioprotectors. In this review we tried to address the secondary cancer induction by radiotherapy and also main biological radiation protection approaches, although there is a wealth of data in this subject.

Cancer stem cells: A review from origin to therapeutic implications

“…The aim of this fractionated regimen is to destroy the tumor cells without damaging the surrounding normal tissues. Radiosensitivity, is an essential intrinsic property of tumor cells, which should be taken into account, to obtain the highest level of cure while normal tissue damages are kept at the lowest level (Abdollahi et al, ).…”

CSC Radioresistance: A Therapeutic Challenge to Improve Radiotherapy Effectiveness in Cancer

“…Radiosensitivity is an intrinsic property of tumor cells [ 154 ], which need consideration to obtain the highest curability rates while maintaining damages to normal tissues to the lowest levels [ 155 ]. The cells within a tumor exhibit different sensitivity to RT and, consequently, not all subpopulations are equally affected by this treatment.…”

Rational Design of Nanomaterials for Various Radiation‐Induced Diseases Prevention and Treatment

“…Several review articles, including ours, have summarized the recent progress. [ 20,24–27 ] Despite great achievements made in the use of nanomedicines for radioprotection, the research undertaken by the biomaterials research community in the past decades has been primarily focused on some common issues, such as the synthesis of nanomaterials with novel structures and functions, the characterization of nanomaterials, and the discovery of new applications. Some fundamental but key questions, such as the rational design principle for radioprotection, are held in low regard.…”