DNA damage induced by ionising radiation

Ionising radiation such as X-rays, gamma rays, and heavy ions induces DNA damage through direct ionization and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to base damage, single-strand breaks, double-strand breaks, abasic sites, and complex clustered lesions. Clustered DNA damage, especially complex DSBs, is particularly lethal and poorly repaired, driving cell death, genomic instability, and carcinogenesis. This damage response is the basis for radiotherapy efficacy in cancer treatment, as tumor cells rely on DNA repair mechanisms to survive. Tumor selectivity and radiosensitivity are influenced by repair pathway choices, and therapeutic agents may enhance or protect against radiation-induced DNA damage by modulating these pathways.

Other names

DNA damage by ionising radiationIonising radiation–induced DNA damageIR-induced DNA lesions

Radiosensitizers: inhibit DNA repair proteins, increase DNA damage lethality Radioprotectors: scavenge free radicals, minimize DNA damage