Recent advances in radiotherapy and its associated side effects in cancer—a review

• Published in: Journal of basic & applied zoology Vol. 80; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Mohan, Gomathi, T P, Ayisha Hamna, A J, Jijo, K M, Saradha Devi, Narayanasamy, Arul, Vellingiri, Balachandar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 27-02-2019; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cancer; Cell Biology and Genetics; Infertility; Life Sciences; Literature reviews; Mutational changes; Radiation therapy; Radiosensitizers; Radiotherapy; Review; Secondary malignancy; Side effects; Tumors; Zoology; Secondary malignancy; Radiotherapy; Mutational changes; Infertility; Cancer
• ISSN: 2090-990X; 2090-990X
• DOI: 10.1186/s41936-019-0083-5

Background
Radiotherapy (RT) is the chief nonsurgical method to control malignant tumors. RT has advanced in both methodological and biological aspects over the past few decades. Though RT is a momentous adjuvant non-invasive technique, it leaves behind some unsympathetic effects. Research is going on to surmount these pessimistic sides of RT.
Methods
We made a mini review of recent articles from the period of 2000 to 2017 regarding radiotherapy and its side effects in various types of cancers. The literature review was done by searching in PUBMED, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS.
Results
Here, we spotlight the physiological and genetic risks associated with the cancer patients undergoing RT. We illustrated the course of RT in most prevalent cancers tailored with dosage distribution. Radiation-induced mutation in the patients undergoing RT has been shown with evidence. Further, the major drawbacks like the development of radiation resistance in cancerous cells and secondary malignancies have been discussed. The problems associated with radiation dosage in terms of infertility and rejuvenation of reproductive cells has also been discussed. Finally, we discussed the latest treatment stratagem of RT in cancer.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment will not be accomplished devoid of radiotherapy. But we can brace RT using radiosensitizers and ayurvedic radioprotectors.