Radiation-induced apoptosis: its role in a MADCaT (mitosis-opoptosis-differentiation-calcium toxicity) scheme of cytotoxicity mechanisms

The apoptotic response induced by radiation is discussed, with particular emphasis on its control in relation to radiotherapy. Topics discussed are: - the apoptotic response and the absence of inflammation, control of apoptosis, initiating stimulus-lag-apoptotic response, the MADCaT approach in cancer treatment strategies, and selective susceptibility and hypersensitivity of cells to radiation-induced apoptosis. (UK)