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The role of damage to the cutaneous system in radiation-induced multi-organ failure

Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, 80937 Munich, Germany

Correspondence: Viktor Meineke, Institut für Radiobiologie der Bundeswehr, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 München, Germany. E-mail: ViktorMeineke@bundeswehr.org

Recent radiation accidents have dramatically shown that radiation damage to the skin is a key diagnostic and prognostic parameter for patients who have been accidentally exposed to radiation. The precise role of the cutaneous system in radiation-induced multi-organ failure (RIMOF) is not yet completely understood. However, there is evidence suggesting that radiation-induced skin damage may play an important role as a factor triggering the failure of other organ systems. Based on this premise, this paper discusses clinical and molecular biological aspects of cutaneous radiation reactions. It draws attention to particular problems and future challenges regarding the clinical management of this condition and emphasises the need for further studies that will help us to understand better the pathophysiology of RIMOF in association with the skin.