Understanding the mechanism of radiation induced fibrosis and therapy options

Radiation therapy has been increasingly employed as a tool to cure and palliate majority of solid tumors. Although radiotherapy has shown promising results in preserving structure and function of organs, it is associated with late side effects mainly manifested in the form of tissue fibrosis. Recent advances in molecular biology techniques has helped better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in radiation induced fibrosis. Currently, very few treatment modalities are available to treat the condition with moderate success rate. Stem cell therapies and particularly adipose tissue and adipose derived stem cells therapies have shown promising results in clinical applications. Identification of the key factors involved in the mitigation process will help to enhance the beneficial effects and develop new therapy approaches.