The physical parameters and molecular events associated with radiation-induced lung toxicity.
Radiation therapy (RT) is frequently used to treat patients with tumors in and around the thorax. Clinical radiation pneumonitis is a common side effect, occurring in 5% to 20% of patients. Efforts to identify patients at risk for pneumonitis have focused on physical factors, such as dose and volume. Recently, the underlying molecular biological mechanisms behind RT-induced lung injury have come under study. Improved knowledge of the molecular events associated with RT-induced lung injury may translate into a better ability to individualized therapy. This review discusses our current understanding of the physical and molecular factors contributing to RT-induced pulmonary injury.
Vujaskovic
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Z
Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. vujaskovic@radonc.duke.edu
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Anscher
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MS
D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000378:metabolism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008954:Models, Biological; D017564:Radiation Pneumonitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta