Radiation and Its Application in Oncology and Radiation Protection

Approximately 50% of all cancer patients receive ionizing radiation therapy (RT) that contributes towards curative treatment in around 40% of cases. Despite improvements in target delineation, radiation techniques and dose fractionation and local and distant recurrences can occur, determining treatment failure. The efficacy of radiation therapy depends on the existence of radioresistant cells, which remains one of the most critical obstacles in RT and radio-chemotherapy. The molecular mechanisms of acquired or intrinsic radioresistance of tumors are still unclear, and their identification is urgently needed. In addition, over the last decade, a significant volume of research has emerged on the systemic effects of ionizing radiation and their role in radiation protection.

Scope of this Section: High-quality and original research from basic, preclinical to clinical studies involving ionizing (IR) and non-ionizing radiation (NIR)-based modalities used in cancer treatment.

Contributions by leading groups include but are not limited to advancements in radiation therapy, radiation biology of tumor resistance and sensitization, treatment planning, thermotherapy, radiation toxicity and protection. Technical reports or clinical protocol papers leading to signficant optimizations and tumor control are encouraged. Last but not least, significant epidemiological studies aiming at non-cancer effects of ionizing radiations and predictive biomerkers of patient radiosensitivity are also welcomed.