Radiation Dermatitis: Radiation-Induced Effects on the Structural and Immunological Barrier Function of the Epidermis

The paper "Radiation Dermatitis: Radiation-Induced Effects on the Structural and Immunological Barrier Function of the Epidermis" examines how radiation therapy affects the skin's structural and immune barriers. Ionizing radiation causes DNA damage in epidermal keratinocytes, leading to cellular senescence and the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, which trigger skin inflammation. This inflammation is worsened by immune cell recruitment, including neutrophils and IL-17-expressing γδ-T cells, resulting in hyperproliferation and structural dysfunction of the epidermal barrier. The study also notes that radiation can cause hair loss, with doses above 10 Gy potentially leading to irreversible alopecia. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing radiation dermatitis and assessing the impact of combining radiotherapy with immunomodulatory treatments.