Non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cells and ionizing radiation cooperate in the enhancement of mesenchymal traits in tumorigenic breast cancer cells.

Aims: Radioresistance and recurrences are crucial hindrances in cancer radiotherapy. Fractionated irradiation can elicit a mesenchymal phenotype in irradiated surviving cells and a deep connection exists between epithelial mesenchymal transition, radioresistance, and metastasis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the secretoma of irradiated non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells on surviving irradiated breast tumor cells regarding the gain of mesenchymal traits and migratory ability.

The secretome of non-tumorigenic mammary cells MCF-10A elicits DNA damage in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

Radiotherapy is used in breast cancer to destroy tumor cells lingering after surgery. It is accepted that lethal effects of ionizing radiation occur as a result of damage to DNA in irradiated (IR) cells. However, response mechanisms may promote cell survival with efficient DNA repair or genomic alterations.

Histamine prevents radiation-induced mesenchymal changes in breast cancer cells.

Radiotherapy is a prime option for treatment of solid tumors including breast cancer though side effects are usually present. Experimental evidence shows an increase in invasiveness of several neoplastic cell types through conventional tumor irradiation. The induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition is proposed as an underlying cause of metastasis triggered by gamma irradiation.