To live or let die: Unclear task of autophagy in the radiosensitization battle

Because contemporary literature is conflicting and inconsistent in this respect, we reviewed the recent studies focused on enhancement of sensitivity of cancer cells toward radiation in regard to autophagy, revealing some striking discrepancies. The deeper the knowledge, the more complex this situation is. To interpret results of various studies correctly one has to take into account the methodology of autophagy assessment and also the fact that radiosensitization might be mediated by other than intrinsic mechanisms related to autophagy. Notwithstanding, targeting autophagy remains an attractive anti-tumor strategy.