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Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jun 14, 2007; 13(22): 3033-3042
Published online Jun 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i22.3033
Biomarkers for radiation-induced small bowel epithelial damage: An emerging role for plasma Citrulline
Ludy Lutgens, Philippe Lambin
Ludy Lutgens, Philippe Lambin, Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW Research Institute, University of Maastricht, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ludy Lutgens, MD, PhD, Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW Research Institute, University of Maastricht, Tanslaan 12, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. ludy.lutgens@maastro.nl
Telephone: +31-88-4455600 Fax: +31-88-4455773
Received: December 15, 2006
Revised: February 3, 2007
Accepted: March 15, 2007
Published online: June 14, 2007
Abstract

Reduction of cancer treatment-induced mucosal injury has been recognized as an important target for improving the therapeutic ratio as well as reducing the economic burden associated with these treatment related sequellae. Clinical studies addressing this issue are hampered by the fact that specific objective parameters, which enable monitoring of damage in routine clinical practice, are lacking. This review summarizes pros and cons of currently available endpoints for intestinal injury. The metabolic background and characteristics of plasma citrulline, a recently investigated biomarker specifically for small intestinal injury, are discussed in more detail.

Keywords: Biomarker; Citrulline; Small bowel; Radiation injury