Biological effects of low level exposures to ionizing radiation: theory and practice

Hum Exp Toxicol. 2010 Apr;29(4):275-81. doi: 10.1177/0960327109363967.

Abstract

This paper briefly reviewed recent reports on the epidemiological and experimental data on low dose radiation effects that support the concept of radiation hormesis. These reports point to the possibility of existence of a threshold dose in cancer induction by ionizing radiation and in some cases the occurrence of hormetic effects with stimulation of host defense mechanisms. The possibility of the use of low dose radiation in cancer treatment to improve the outcome of conventional radiotherapy was raised by citing previous reports on experimental studies, which showed increased efficacy in tumor control with significant reduction of total dose of radiation when low dose radiation was used in the combined treatment protocol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / radiation effects
  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / etiology
  • Public Health
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control
  • Radiation, Ionizing*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Assessment
  • Time Factors