Current Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Biomarkers for Treating Radiation-Induced Liver Damage

Abstract

Highly conformal delivery of radiation therapy (RT) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for primary and metastatic liver cancers, yet concerns persist regarding radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). Despite advancements, RILD remains a major dose-limiting factor due to the potential damage to normal liver tissues by therapeutic radiation. The toxicity to normal liver tissues is associated with a multitude of physiological and pathological consequences. RILD unfolds as multifaceted processes, intricately linking various responses, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular senescence, fibrosis, and immune reactions, through multiple signaling pathways. The DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation (IR) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of RILD. Moreover, current treatment options for RILD are limited, with no established biomarker for early detection. RILD diagnosis often occurs at advanced stages, highlighting the critical need for early biomarkers to adjust treatment strategies and prevent liver failure. This review provides an outline of the diverse molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the development of RILD and points out all of the available biomarkers for early detection with the aim of helping clinicians decide on advance treatment strategies from a single literature recourse.