Induction of metastasis, cancer stem cell phenotype, and oncogenic metabolism in cancer cells by ionizing radiation

Radiation therapy is one of the major tools of cancer treatment, and is widely used for a variety of malignant tumours. Radiotherapy causes DNA damage directly by ionization or indirectly via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby destroying cancer cells. However, ionizing radiation (IR) paradoxically promotes metastasis and invasion of cancer cells by inducing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Metastasis is a major obstacle to successful cancer therapy, and is closely linked to the rates of morbidity and mortality of many cancers. ROS have been shown to play important roles in mediating the biological effects of IR. ROS have been implicated in IR-induced EMT, via activation of…

• NR
  National Research Foundation
• MO
  Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning

  Awards: 2015M2B2A9028108, 2015R1A2A2A01004468
• MO
  Ministry of Health and Welfare

  Award: 1320040
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Awards: 2015M2B2A9028108, 2012R1A1A2044246, 2013M2B2A9A03050902, 2012M2B2A9A02029802, 2015R1A2A2A01004468, 2011-0011084