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Review
. 2022 Mar 22;27(1):57-62.
doi: 10.5603/RPOR.a2022.0005. eCollection 2022.

Radiobiology of stereotactic radiotherapy

Monica Mangoni  1 , Simona Borghesi  2 , Cynthia Aristei  3 , Carlotta Becherini  1
Affiliations
Review

Radiobiology of stereotactic radiotherapy

Monica Mangoni et al. Rep Pract Oncol Radiother. .

Abstract

This paper focuses on the radiobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT ) which, despite SRT expansion, have not yet been fully elucidated. Some authors postulated that radiobiology principles, as applied to conventional fractionations (5R: reoxygenation, repair, repopulation, redistribution, radioresistence), suffice in themselves to account for the excellent clinical results of SRT; others argued that the role of the 5R was limited. Recent preclinical data showed that hypofractionated ablative treatments altered the microenvironment, thus determining cell death either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, dead tumor cells released quantities of antigens, which stimulated antitumor immunity, thus reducing the risk of relapse and metastasis. Better understanding of the radiobiological mechanisms underlying response to high-dose radiation treatment is essential for predicting its short- and long-term effects on the tumor and surrounding healthy tissues and, consequently, for improving its related therapeutic index.

Keywords: radiobiology; radiosurgery; stereotactic radiotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

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