Review
Wound healing after radiation therapy: Review of the literature
1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
2 Department of Radiotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
Radiation Oncology 2012, 7:162 doi:10.1186/1748-717X-7-162
Published: 24 September 2012Abstract
Radiation therapy is an established modality in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients. Compromised wound healing in irradiated tissues is a common and challenging clinical problem. The pathophysiology and underlying cellular mechanisms including the complex interaction of cytokines and growth factors are still not understood completely. In this review, the current state of research regarding the pathomechanisms of compromised wound healing in irradiated tissues is presented. Current and possible future treatment strategies are critically reviewed.
