Enhancing Radiotherapy Efficacy with Novel Plant and Chemically Derived Radioprotectors and Radiosensitizers

Cancer radiotherapy remains a cornerstone in oncological treatment, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other modalities. Although it is effective for many, a subset of patients exhibits poor response, leading to disease progression or recurrence post-treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy is often limited by the radiation tolerance of normal tissues, preventing dose escalation without increasing collateral damage. In response, there has been significant interest in developing compounds that can either enhance the radioresponse of tumors (radiosensitizers) or protect normal tissues (radioprotectors).

This Research Topic aims to explore the dual role of innovative compounds, both plant-based and chemically synthesized, that can act as radiosensitizers or radioprotectors. The goal is to improve the therapeutic window of radiotherapy, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing unwanted side effects. Studies focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms guiding the efficacy and safety of these agents are particularly encouraged, providing insights that could pave the way for clinical applications.

To gather further insights into the customization of radiotherapy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Novel plant-based compounds with potential radioprotective or radiosensitizing properties

- Chemically synthesized drugs designed specifically for radiotherapy enhancement

- Comparative studies on the efficacy and safety of new radioprotectors and radiosensitizers

- Mechanistic studies in molecular and cellular radiobiology related to radiation modulation

- Clinical trials and oncology reports detailing outcomes with these novel agents

This Research Topic invites original research articles, review studies, short communications, and reports focusing on the development and evaluation of new radioprotective and radiosensitizing drugs from both plant-derived and synthetic origins. Studies encompassing radiation chemistry, computational modeling on drug mechanism, and in vivo or in vitro evaluations of cytotoxicity and efficacy under irradiation are especially welcome.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Radiotherapy, Radiosensitizers, Radioprotectors, Plant-based drugs, Chemically synthesized drugs

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.