Clinical Report: The Role of the Gut–Lung Microbiota Axis in Lung Injury Caused by Radiation
Overview
This narrative review examines the gut-lung microbiota axis in radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), highlighting mechanisms. Key findings include associations between gut microbiota stability and radiation pneumonitis risk.
Background
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a significant complication of thoracic radiotherapy, impacting treatment efficacy. It encompasses acute radiation pneumonitis (RP) and chronic radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RPF), which can lead to severe respiratory complications.
Data Highlights
No specific numerical data or trial results were provided in the source material.
Key Findings
Radiotherapy induces gut dysbiosis and barrier breakdown, contributing to inflammation and fibrosis.
Lower gut microbiota stability is associated with an increased risk of grade ≥2 RP in non-small cell lung cancer cohorts.
Higher baseline abundance of Faecalibacterium may confer protection against RP.
Mechanisms involve lipopolysaccharide translocation and regulatory T cell/T helper 17 cell imbalance.
Artificial intelligence models can predict RP with 75% accuracy.
Preliminary studies suggest fecal microbiota transplantation may improve pulmonary function.
Clinical Implications
Future clinical trials should account for confounding factors like antibiotic use to establish causality.
Conclusion
Further studies are needed to validate these findings.
