Targeting the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer radioresistance: Updates on the molecular mechanisms

Radiation resistance is an important factor that affects the efficacy of radiotherapy; it could even lead to its failure. In recent years, the relationship between the classical Wnt signaling pathway and radiation resistance has gradually attracted attention from scholars. Although most of the findings are comprehensive, they are fragmented and disorganized. This review explores the relationship between classical Wnt signaling pathways and cancer radiation resistance. Previous literature regarding the classical Wnt signaling pathways and cancer radiation resistance from the past decades had been summarized in this article. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms and functions of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway involved in the formation of radioresistance were systemically analyzed and sorted out. Certain rules and internal relationships among different pathways have been further clarified; this is expected to provide valuable clues for further research. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is closely associated with the formation of cancer radioresistance, which may be a target for improving the effects of radiotherapy.