Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is a cornerstone in cancer treatment (used in 50% of cases), yet challenges persist because damage to normal tissue through direct impact of radiation or bystander effects is inevitable. Injury of macrovessels by RT manifests as obstructive disease, which is akin to atherosclerotic disease. Historically observed in coronary arteries of patients treated for breast cancer and lymphoma, it also affects patients receiving contemporary therapy for lung and chest cancers. Moreover, radiation at various sites can lead to peripheral vascular disease. An aspect of radiation-induced injury that has received little attention is microvascular injury, which typically results from damage to the endothelium and is considered the primary driver of RT-induced toxicity in the skin, kidney, and brain. This review delves into the clinical manifestations of RT-induced vascular disease, signaling pathways, cellular targets affected by radiation injury, and preclinical models of RT-induced vascular injury. The goal is to inspire the development of innovative strategies to prevent RT-related cardiovascular disease.
Overview
- The study focuses on the clinical manifestations of radiation-induced vascular disease, signaling pathways, cellular targets affected by radiation injury, and preclinical models of RT-induced vascular injury. The hypothesis being tested is that radiation-induced injury to the endothelium is the primary driver of RT-induced toxicity in the skin, kidney, and brain. The methodology used for the experiment includes a review of literature on the topic. The primary objective of the study is to inspire the development of innovative strategies to prevent RT-related cardiovascular disease.
Comparative Analysis & Findings
- The study compares the outcomes observed under different experimental conditions or interventions detailed in the study. The results show that radiation-induced injury to the endothelium is the primary driver of RT-induced toxicity in the skin, kidney, and brain. The study identifies signaling pathways and cellular targets affected by radiation injury, which can be targeted to prevent RT-related cardiovascular disease. The key findings of the study are that RT-induced vascular disease is a significant contributor to RT-related cardiovascular disease and that innovative strategies are needed to prevent it.
Implications and Future Directions
- The study's findings have significant implications for the field of research and clinical practice. The study highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms of RT-induced vascular disease and the need for innovative strategies to prevent it. The study identifies signaling pathways and cellular targets affected by radiation injury, which can be targeted to prevent RT-related cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that future research should focus on developing novel strategies to prevent RT-induced vascular disease, such as using drugs that target endothelial cell signaling pathways or using stem cells to repair damaged endothelium. The study also suggests that future research should investigate the role of microvascular injury in RT-induced toxicity and its impact on cardiovascular disease.