Advances in molecular mechanisms of carotid artery stenosis after radiotherapy
In recent years,radiation therapy has become a cornerstone in the treatment of head and neck tumors,significantly improving patient survival rates.However,the issue of radiation-induced carotid artery stenosis has garnered increasing attention.Characterized by multiple,long-segment,and unstable lesions,radiation-induced carotid stenosis presents unique challenges that traditional therapeutic approaches struggle to address.This review systematically summarized the pathological features and underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced carotid stenosis,with a focus on the roles of endothelial cells,smooth muscle cells,and vasa vasorum damage.Future research directions and preventive strategies are also discussed.