Targeting mitochondria as a potential therapeutic strategy against radioresistance in cancer
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By
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Nazia Nazam
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Shaikh Sadiya
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Saba Khan
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Aroonima Misra
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Niti Sureka
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Kirti Panwar
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Neelam Sahani
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Sufian Zaheer
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June 5, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Exploiting Mitochondrial Function as a Promising Approach to Overcome Radioresistance in Oncology
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | |
| Key Mechanisms | Mitochondrial roles in bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, DNA repair, apoptosis regulation, and metabolic adaptations |
| Target Population | |
| Care Setting | |
Key Highlights
- Mitochondria are central regulators of radiation response.
- Radioresistant tumors exhibit enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and metabolic reprogramming.
- Mitochondrial dynamics and antioxidant systems limit radiation-induced oxidative injury.
- Dysregulation of apoptotic pathways facilitates evasion of radiation-induced cell death.
- Emerging therapeutic strategies target mitochondrial vulnerabilities to improve radiosensitivity.
- Metabolic adaptations in radioresistant tumors enhance survival.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
- Consider mitochondria-targeted therapies such as OXPHOS inhibitors and ROS-modulating agents in combination with radiotherapy.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Incorporate specific OXPHOS inhibitors and ROS-modulating agents to enhance treatment efficacy.
Clinical Best Practices
- Integrate mitochondrial-targeted strategies with existing cancer therapies.
- Monitor metabolic changes in tumors during treatment.
- Utilize combinatorial approaches to enhance radiosensitivity.
- Evaluate mitochondrial dynamics as part of treatment monitoring.
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