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. 2013 Feb 20;5(173):173sr2.
doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3005148.

New paradigms and future challenges in radiation oncology: an update of biological targets and technology

Stanley L Liauw  1 , Philip P Connell, Ralph R Weichselbaum
Affiliations

New paradigms and future challenges in radiation oncology: an update of biological targets and technology

Stanley L Liauw et al. Sci Transl Med. .

Abstract

Radiation oncology exploits the biological interaction of radiation within tissue to promote tumor death while minimizing damage to surrounding normal tissue. The clinical delivery of radiation relies on principles of radiation physics that define how radiation energy is deposited in the body, as well as technology that facilitates accurate tumor targeting. This review will summarize the current landscape of recent biological and technological advances in radiation oncology, describe the challenges that exist, and offer potential avenues for improvement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: SL and PC declare no competing interests. RRW has a commercial organizational interest in: Catherex, Magi, RefleXion, and Oncosenescence. He has consulted for Medimmune ($1,500 one-time consultant fee) and has a $100,000 grant to study the effects IL-6 neutralizing antibodies on radiation antitumor effects.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. An idealized graphical representation of tissue effects vs. radiation dose
The solid sigmoid-shaped curves describe tumor control probability and normal tissue complication probability. The interrupted sigmoid-shaped curves describe the predicted effects in response to drugs that have tumor-specific radiosensitization or radioprotection that is specific to normal tissues.
Figure 2
Figure 2
An overly simplified representation of various cellular targets and responses that occur after radiation exposure.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Agents that may be potentially useful in modulating radiation effects
Agents that have radioprotective effects are shown in red, and agents that have radiosensitizing effects are shown in green.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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