Advancement in radioprotective gene therapy

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an important treatment for malignant tumors as more than 50% of patients receive radiation therapy for their illnesses. Patients receiving radiation doses have been significantly reduced because of the advancement in image-guided radiation. However, serious side effects occur owing to the off-target radiation damage to normal tissues. To decrease the level of injury, researchers have explored new radiation protection methods. Currently, agents available for protecting normal tissues against radiation damage mainly include synthesized small molecules and plant extracts with poor results. Researchers have explored new efficient approaches to radiation protection. Several advantages in gene therapy, such as targeting, low toxity, and minimal side effects, render it as an ideal strategy for radiation protection and significantly enhance the biological properties of cells and tissues. Radiation protection gene therapy and its development as a radiation protection strategy are reviewed in this paper. Key words: Radiation protection; Radiation injuries; Gene therapy