Mitigation of radiation-induced esophageal fibrosis by macrophage-targeted phosphatidylserine-containing liposomes with partial PEGylation

Radiation therapy used to treat esophageal cancer often causes scarring and tissue damage that makes swallowing difficult. Researchers developed special fatty particles called PEGylated phosphatidylserine-containing liposomes that can reduce this scarring by calming down immune cells called macrophages. In studies using animal models and laboratory tests, these particles successfully reduced fibrosis, preserved normal tissue structure, and promoted muscle healing, offering hope for better management of radiation therapy side effects.