3-56 Role of Redox Status in Radiosenisization

Generally, ROS are regarded as host defense molecules that are released by neutrophils to destroy exogenous pathogens such as bacteria and to act as secondary messengers in signal transduction. However, increased production of ROS is also involved in inducing pathophysiological changes such as apoptosis, cell cycle disruption, and necrosis. For this reason, induction of ROS-mediated damage in cancer cells by pharmacological agents that either promote ROS generation or disable the cellular antioxidant system is considered a potential therapeutic strategy for preferentially killing cancer cells[1].