Research progress in the molecular mechanisms and prevention strategies of ovarian injury related to cervical cancer radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, as an important means of tumor treatment, plays a significant role in the treatment of cervical cancer. However, the ovaries are highly sensitive to radiation, which is prone to appear radiation-related injuries, leading to ovarian dysfunction and loss of fertility in young female patients, seriously affecting their physical and mental health. The degree of ovarian injury is influenced by various factors such as the dose, volume, and duration of radiation exposure to the ovaries, as well as the patient's age. Ovarian displacement and advancements in radiotherapy techniques can significantly relieve radiation-related ovarian injury. Currently, drug protection techniques are still immature, and new fertility preservation methods are receiving increasing attention but require further improvement. This article reviewed the research progress in the molecular mechanisms, prevention strategies, and new fertility preservation techniques for ovarian injury related to cervical cancer radiotherapy, aiming to provide a reference for ovarian function protection during radiotherapy for young cervical cancer patients.