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Non-Coding RNAs in Radiation Oncology: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Participating journal: Discover Oncology

We invite submissions that examine the expanding role of RNA biomarkers—especially non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)—in radiation oncology. These molecules, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, offer non-invasive, organ-specific indicators for predicting treatment efficacy, assessing radiation-induced toxicities (e.g., lung fibrosis), and guiding personalized cancer therapies. Emerging platforms like PROSTOX and miR-SNP profiling demonstrate how RNA-based assays can identify patients at higher risk for normal tissue injury and inform safer, more effective radiation dosing strategies.

This collection particularly welcomes studies on:

• Mechanistic Insights: How ncRNAs regulate cancer hallmarks and mediate intrinsic or acquired resistance to radiation and other therapies.

• Biomarker Discovery: Identification and validation of ncRNA signatures for predicting response, toxicity, and long-term outcomes.

• Therapeutic Targeting: Strategies to modulate dysregulated ncRNAs—using mimics, inhibitors, or delivery systems—to enhance radiosensitivity and overcome resistance.

• Translational Research: Early-phase clinical studies, platform technologies, and integrative “multi-omic” approaches that support clinical implementation.

We seek original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspectives that uncover novel ncRNA mechanisms, their therapeutic implications, and biomarker-driven strategies to advance precision radiation oncology.

Keywords: RNA biomarkers, Radiation oncology, Radiotherapy-induced toxicity, Personalized cancer therapy, Organ-specific biomarkers, Non-invasive diagnostics, Predictive biomarkers, Precision medicine, Cancer Biomarkers, Translational research

Participating journal

Submit your manuscript to this collection through the participating journal.

Editors

  • Molykutty J. Aryankalayil

    Molykutty J. Aryankalayil

    PhD, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, United States. Dr. Aryankalayil is a renowned biomedical researcher in cancer therapy and radiobiology. Her work at NCI’s Radiation Oncology Branch advanced understanding of immune responses to multifractionated radiation and identified RNA biomarkers. With over 60 publications, she’s led major research initiatives, trained numerous fellows, and managed extramural projects. She also plays key roles in international forums, including IAEA, and in the Radiation Research Society.

Articles