Dynamics of autophagy in response to high linear energy transfer radiation and cancer

Autophagy process is important in the removal of damaged organelles following radiation interaction. Autophagy maintains stability or balance between intracellular environments at the cellular level. High linear energy transfer radiation is a complex and under-researched field of cancer and radiation biology. In-depth investigation in this area is necessary because autophagy has both protective and detrimental effects on cells, and the specific response can vary depending on factors like the type of radiation, the cell type, and the stage of cancer. Ionizing radiation exposure caused significant alterations in the autophagy genes (ATG3, ATG5, ATG7, ATG8, ATG12). Autophagy blocker could prevent cells from autophagic cell death in response to high linear energy transfer radiation. We have outlined how autophagy can reverse complications of serious diseases in tumor cells and tumor microenvironment, which will contribute to a new direction for better treatment of diseases.