In plain language
A review of 25 studies suggests that vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists and radiologists may show more DNA damage and a higher risk of some cancers, such as leukemia, thyroid, skin and brain. The evidence is mostly observational and does not prove cause.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Systematic review or meta-analysis, Systematic review
- Who was studied
- Vascular surgeons, Interventional cardiologists, Interventional radiologists
- Size
- n = 25 studies
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
Occupational exposure in endovascular operators may cause early-stage DNA damage shortly after exposure.
Chronic DNA damage, including double-strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations, was observed and hypothesized to contribute to genomic instability and carcinogenesis.
Studies suggest increased cancer risk, notably leukemia, thyroid cancer, and cancers of unprotected areas such as skin and brain.
Twenty-five studies from 2000 to April 2025 met inclusion criteria.
Key figures: 25 studies
Limits to keep in mind
The abstract reports no pooled estimates, and the included studies mix experimental, observational and case report designs. Findings are framed as suggestive, and the risk-of-bias results are not given.
Related research summaries
- Radiation exposure in interventional cardiology: a narrative review of health effects and novel approaches to ensure radiation safety (2025, Narrative review)
- Occupational Risks of Chronic Low Dose Radiation Exposure in Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (2013, Narrative review)
- Occupational Radiation Exposure and Thyroid Nodules in Healthcare Workers: A Review (2025, Narrative review)
- Brain Tumors, Interventionists, and Radiation: How Real Is the Risk? (2016, Narrative review)
- Brain tumours among interventional cardiologists: a cause for alarm? (2012, Case report or series)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.