Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication after radiotherapy for thoracic tumors.It is one of the most urgent problems to explore the optimal animal model and evaluate the effect for basic research and drug intervention along with the extensive studies of radiation pneumonia.By reviewing the literatures published in recent 10 years,the selection of irradiation site,determination of irradiation dosage,irradiation method and effect evaluation were statistically compared among different RILI animal models,aiming to explore a stable method of establishing the animal model with RILI and identify a definite effect mechanism.It provides a reliable approach for basic research and drug development to prevent and mitigate the incidence and development of RILI.