Molecular Mechanisms of Radiation Resistance in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Radiosensitization Strategies

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and radiation therapy is a central component of its management. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to radiation significantly compromises therapeutic efficacy. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate molecular mechanisms and interventions that influence radiation sensitivity in breast cancer models. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the terms "breast cancer" and "radiation resistance" for studies published between 2002 and 2024. Seventy-nine eligible studies were included. The most frequently investigated mechanisms included the dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways, enhanced DNA damage repair via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and the overexpression of cancer stem cell markers such as CD44 + /CD24 - /low and ALDH1. Several studies highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly the lncRNA DUXAP8 and microRNAs such as miR-21, miR-144, miR-33a, and miR-634, in modulating radiation response. Components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune regulators, also contributed to radiation resistance. By synthesizing current evidence, this review provides a consolidated resource to guide future mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. This review highlights promising molecular targets and emergin

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.