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Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 9/2023

31-01-2023 | Radiotherapy | Review

Mitochondrial metabolism: a predictive biomarker of radiotherapy efficacy and toxicity

Authors: Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary, Mohammad Houshyari, Mohammad Farhadi

Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 9/2023

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Abstract

Introduction

Radiotherapy is a mainstay of cancer treatment. Clinical studies revealed a heterogenous response to radiotherapy, from a complete response to even disease progression. To that end, finding the relative prognostic factors of disease outcomes and predictive factors of treatment efficacy and toxicity is essential. It has been demonstrated that radiation response depends on DNA damage response, cell cycle phase, oxygen concentration, and growth rate. Emerging evidence suggests that altered mitochondrial metabolism is associated with radioresistance.

Methods

This article provides a comprehensive evaluation of the role of mitochondria in radiotherapy efficacy and toxicity. In addition, it demonstrates how mitochondria might be involved in the famous 6Rs of radiobiology.

Results

In terms of this idea, decreasing the mitochondrial metabolism of cancer cells may increase radiation response, and enhancing the mitochondrial metabolism of normal cells may reduce radiation toxicity. Enhancing the normal cells (including immune cells) mitochondrial metabolism can potentially improve the tumor response by enhancing immune reactivation. Future studies are invited to examine the impacts of mitochondrial metabolism on radiation efficacy and toxicity.

Graphical abstract

Improving radiotherapy response with diminishing cancer cells’ mitochondrial metabolism, and reducing radiotherapy toxicity with enhancing normal cells’ mitochondrial metabolism.
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Metadata
Title
Mitochondrial metabolism: a predictive biomarker of radiotherapy efficacy and toxicity
Authors
Farzad Taghizadeh-Hesary
Mohammad Houshyari
Mohammad Farhadi
Publication date
31-01-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Radiotherapy
Published in
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Issue 9/2023
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-023-04592-7

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