Anti-inflammatory effects of low-dose radiotherapy. Indications, dose, and radiobiological mechanisms involved

Strahlenther Onkol. 2012 Nov;188(11):975-81. doi: 10.1007/s00066-012-0170-8. Epub 2012 Aug 22.

Abstract

Low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) has been used for several benign diseases, including arthrodegenerative and inflammatory pathologies. Despite its effectiveness in clinical practice, little is known about the mechanisms through which LD-RT modulates the various phases of the inflammatory response and about the optimal dose fractionation. The objective of this review is to deepen knowledge about the most effective LD-RT treatment schedule and radiobiological mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of LD-RT in various in vitro experiments, in vivo studies, and clinical studies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / blood
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Immunity, Cellular / radiation effects
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / radiotherapy*
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood
  • Leukocyte Rolling / immunology
  • Leukocyte Rolling / radiation effects
  • Leukocytes / immunology
  • Leukocytes / radiation effects
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / immunology
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy Dosage

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators