Irradiated Cell-derived Exosomes Enhance Cell Proliferation and Radioresistance the MAPK/Erk Pathway.

Background/aim: Radiation therapy is pivotal in cancer treatment; however, its efficacy is limited by challenges such as tumor recurrence. This study delves into the role of exosomes, which are molecular cargo-bearing vesicles, in influencing cell proliferation, radioresistance, and consequent post-irradiation tumor recurrence. Given the significance of exosomes from irradiated malignancies in diagnostics and therapy, it is vital to delineate their functional dynamics, especially in breast and cervical cancer cell lines, where the impact of irradiation on exosome behavior remains enigmatic.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on radiotherapy delivery in Japan: An observational study based on the national database.

Background: This study analyzed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on radiotherapy delivery in Japan using a high-quality Japanese national database based on universal health coverage.

Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study using National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan open data focused on radiotherapy between fiscal year (FY) 2019 and FY2020 and the number of COVID-19 cases from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. We statistically analyzed the relationship between the number of COVID-19 cases and the number of radiotherapy deliveries in Japan as a whole and by prefecture.