Open AccessPromoting reactive oxygen species generation: a key strategy in nanosensitizer-mediated radiotherapy
Author(s) -
Shichong Jia,
Shengfang Ge,
Xianqun Fan,
Kam W. Leong,
Jing Ruan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nanomedicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.947
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1748-6963
pISSN - 1743-5889
DOI - 10.2217/nnm-2020-0448
Subject(s) - reactive oxygen species , radiation therapy , cancer research , key (lock) , mechanism (biology) , medicine , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , ecology , philosophy , epistemology
The radiotherapy enhancement effect of numerous nanosensitizers is based on the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and only a few systematic reviews have focused on the key strategy in nanosensitizer-mediated radiotherapy. To clarify the mechanism underlying this effect, it is necessary to understand the role of ROS in radiosensitization before clinical application. Thus, the source of ROS and their principle of tumor inhibition are first introduced. Then, nanomaterial-mediated ROS generation in radiotherapy is reviewed. The double-edged sword effect of ROS and the potential dangers they may pose to cancer patients are subsequently addressed. Finally, future perspectives regarding ROS-regulated nanosensitizer applications and development are discussed.