Stem cell therapies for the treatment of radiation-induced normal tissue side effects.

ABSTRACT:

Significance

Targeted irradiation is an effective cancer therapy but damage inflicted to normal tissues surrounding the tumor may cause severe complications. While certain pharmacologic strategies can temper the adverse effects of irradiation, stem cell therapies provide unique opportunities for restoring functionality to the irradiated tissue bed.

Recent advances

Preclinical studies presented in this review provide encouraging proof of concept regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells for treating the adverse side effects associated with radiotherapy in different organs. Early-stage clinical data for radiation-induced lung, bone, and skin complications are promising and highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate stem cell type to stimulate tissue regenera

SUBMITTER: Benderitter M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4060814 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature