Mechanism-Inspired Biomaterials and Regenerative Therapies for Radiation-Induced Skin Injury
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) represents the most common complication of cancer radiotherapy, severely impairing patient health and treatment adherence. Conventional therapies show limited benefits due to the complex pathological mechanisms of RISI, creating an urgent demand for more effective approaches. Emerging biomaterials and regenerative therapies offer new opportunities for intervention. This review first outlines the key mechanisms of RISI and then highlights the mechanism-driven biomaterial design, with particular focus on the rational selection of active ingredients and advanced delivery systems. We also examine regenerative therapies such as stem cell therapy and mitochondrial transplantation, emphasizing their potential to restore function at cellular or organelle levels. Finally, the major challenges and future directions of these therapeutic strategies in RISI treatment are discussed.
DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s568923
Authors: Ying Zhou, Xuewen Zhang, Xing Shen, Shuang Xing, Yong Yuan, Weiming Tian, Zuyin Yu
Institution: Harbin Institute of Technology
Language: English
Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments
Subfield: Rehabilitation
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W7118606072