Low-dose radiation therapy of cancer: role of immune enhancement

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2011 May;11(5):791-802. doi: 10.1586/era.10.217.

Abstract

The efficacy of conventional radiation therapy, one of the most widely used treatment modalities of cancer, is limited by resistance of tumors as well as normal tissue toxicity. In the last decade, several studies have shown that protocols using low-dose radiation (LDR) are more effective in providing local tumor control with negligible normal tissue toxicity. LDR stimulates antioxidant capacity, repair of DNA damage, apoptosis and induction of immune responses, which might be collectively responsible for providing effective local tumor control. This article focuses on the immunostimulatory effects of LDR in in vivo models and its clinical efficacy, supporting the use of LDR regimens (alone or as adjuvant) as an anticancer treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Antioxidants / radiation effects
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects
  • DNA Repair / radiation effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Tolerance*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage

Substances

  • Antioxidants