Research Progress and Development Trends of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Technology in Radiotherapy

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has become a promising technology for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) in cancer treatment and repairing the subsequent side effects. This review summarizes the current research on the combination of CAP and RT, focusing on its radiosensitizing effect, the ability to repair radiation-induced injury, and the challenges and solutions in the clinical application and promotion of this direction. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) produced by CAP increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation and reduce the damage of radiation to normal cells, thus improving the effects and safety of RT. In addition, CAP has been proven to promote the repair of radiation-induced skin damage, especially radiation dermatitis (RDs), a common side effect of RT that currently lacks effective treatment options. By alleviating RD and enhancing tissue regeneration, CAP provides a new treatment method for managing the adverse reactions of RT. Although it has broad prospects, some challenges hinder the wide application of CAP in clinical settings, including limited penetration depth, the lack of standardized dosimetry, and the intricate nature of its underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, the standardization of CAP equipment, precise parameter control strategies, and long-term safety issues require further investigation. This review emphasizes the necessity of continuous exploration to improve the role of CAP in RT and provides insights for the development of more effective and safer cancer treatment methods.