THE RADIOBIOLOGY OF THE CANCER CELL,
Abstract
Through study of the effects of ionizing radiation, fundamental information has been gained about the biology of normal and neoplastic cells and about the process of neoplasia. A variety of disturbances have been observed in irradiated cells, including alterations in metabolism, growth, and differentiation, but existing evidence suggests that the most significant primary action of radiation is on the genetic apparatus of the cell. That radiation-induced genetic effects may initiate tumor formation is highly conceivable; however, some other mechanism seems to be involved in certain instances of radiation carcinogenesis. Whatever the mechanism, the development of malignancy appears to be a complex, multistage process. The material basis for the large variation in radiosensitivity that exists among cells of different types is still poorly understood; however, with increasing knowledge of the mode of action of radiation and of the factors influencing the radiosensitivity of the cell, ways are being found to increase, decrease, and repair radiation injury. These advances hold promise of providing means of enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer and of reducing the hazard of radiation as a carcinogenic agent. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0647752
Entities
People
- A. C. Upton
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory