ABSTRACT Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the core methods of comprehensive cancer treatment. Globally, more than 40% of cancer patients rely on radiotherapy to achieve tumor control, cure or palliative relief. However, radiation resistance, immunosuppression and normal tissue injury limit its clinical application. Existing radiosensitizers also have the disadvantages of high toxicity and insufficient targeting. Gastrointestinal injury, metabolic competition with tumors, and oxidative stress‐induced depletion can all result in the lack of vital trace elements, including zinc, selenium, and manganese, following radiotherapy. The bioavailability of trace elements via traditional supplementation pathways is low, whereas the nanoparticle delivery system can optimize pharmacokinetics and achieve targeted release. In addition, the supplemented trace elements enhance tumor radiation sensitivity by mediating the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing cuproptosis while protecting normal tissue by reducing radiation‐induced oral mucositis. They can also improve nutritional imbalance and immunosuppression associated with radiotherapy. Therefore, studying the application potential of trace elements in radiotherapy provides a promising new way to broaden the treatment window and improve long‐term efficacy.
Zhang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.