Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering (Aug 2023)

Preliminary Results of the Effects of Localized High-Dose Radiotherapy Combined with Total Body Low-Dose Irradiation on Tumor Growth and Stimulating the Immune System in Tumor-Bearing Mice

  • Mohammad Taghi Bahrayni Toosi,
  • Afsaneh Kasiri,
  • Sepehr Torabinejad,
  • Shokouhozaman Soleymanifard,
  • Mojtaba Sankian,
  • Seyed Amir Aledavood,
  • Fazileh Hosseini Shamili,
  • Fahimeh Lavi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2009-1179
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 4
pp. 323 – 332

Abstract

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Background: The immune system plays an extensive role in eliminating tumor cells. On the other hand, low-dose irradiation stimulates the immune system.Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of localized high-dose radiotherapy (LH) alone and combined with total body low-dose irradiation (TB).Material and Methods: In this experimental study, B16F0 tumor cells were injected into the right flank of C57JL/6 mice. The mice were treated with LH alone (13 Gy X-rays to the tumor surface) (LH group) or combined with TB (85 mGy X-rays at the skin) (TB+LH group). Then the tumor volume, the mice’s lifespan, the number of lymphocytes extracted from the spleen, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production were measured.Results: Reduced number of lymphocytes, compared to non-irradiated mice (control group), was observed in LH and TB+LH groups. However, the identical number of cultured lymphocytes produced a higher level of IFN-γ in irradiated groups. Comparing the irradiated groups, the number of lymphocytes and their IFN-γ production, tumor growth control, and the mice’s lifespan were statistically higher in TB+LH group. Conclusion: Observing a higher level of IFN-γ in TB+LH group compared to LH group indicates that low-dose radiation enhanced the stimulating effects of high-dose radiation on the immune system. It caused the mice in TB+LH group to have a more prolonged lifespan and a lower tumor growth rate. Therefore, it is worth our attention for future studies to investigate whether total body low-dose irradiation can be utilized before radiotherapy to enhance its efficiency.

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