Radiation Sensitizing Agents, also called radiosensitizers, are substances or drugs that enhance the effectivity of radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. They work by increasing the sensitiveness of cancer cells to the damaging effects of radiation, thus making them more susceptible to destruction.
Radiation therapy is a common treatment method for cancer, which utilizes high-energy radiation beams to target and destroy cancer cells. However, certain cancer cells may possess natural resistance to radiation, requiring higher doses of radiation for effective treatment. This can increase the risk of damage to healthy tissues and organs surrounding the tumor. Radiation Sensitizing Agents mitigate this issue by enhancing the radiosensitivity of cancer cells, making them more responsive to radiation and lowering the required dosage.
These agents may function through various mechanisms, including altering cellular repair processes, inhibiting DNA repair mechanisms, disrupting cell cycle progression, and promoting the generation of free radicals. Moreover, they may also improve oxygenation of tumor tissues, as radiation therapy is more effective in oxygen-rich environments.
Radiation Sensitizing Agents are often used in combination with radiation therapy to enhance its therapeutic efficacy and increase treatment success rates. They are commonly employed in the treatment of various cancers, such as lung, head and neck, and gastrointestinal cancers. The use of Radiation Sensitizing Agents allows for lower radiation doses, reducing the risk of side effects and damage to normal tissues while maximizing the destruction of cancer cells.
