Wound healing after radiation therapy: review of the literature

Frank Haubner; Elisabeth Ohmann; Fabian Pohl; Jürgen Strutz; Holger G Gassner

doi:10.1186/1748-717X-7-162

Wound healing after radiation therapy: review of the literature

Radiat Oncol. 2012 Sep 24:7:162. doi: 10.1186/1748-717X-7-162.

Authors

Frank Haubner¹, Elisabeth Ohmann, Fabian Pohl, Jürgen Strutz, Holger G Gassner

Affiliation

¹ Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. frank.haubner@klinik.uni-regensburg.de

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an established modality in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. Compromised wound healing in irradiated tissues is a common and challenging clinical problem. The pathophysiology and underlying cellular mechanisms including the complex interaction of cytokines and growth factors are still not understood completely. In this review, the current state of research regarding the pathomechanisms of compromised wound healing in irradiated tissues is presented. Current and possible future treatment strategies are critically reviewed.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Algorithms
Cell Transplantation / methods
Humans
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / therapeutic use
Neoplasms / complications
Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
Organ Sparing Treatments / methods
Organ Sparing Treatments / trends
Radiodermatitis / drug therapy
Radiodermatitis / prevention & control
Radiodermatitis / therapy
Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
Radiotherapy / methods
Skin Transplantation / statistics & numerical data
Wound Healing / physiology
Wound Healing / radiation effects*

Substances

Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins