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Scarmelotto A, Delprat V, Michiels C, Lucas S, Heuskin AC. The oxygen puzzle in FLASH radiotherapy: A comprehensive review and experimental outlook. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 49:100860. [PMID: 39381632 PMCID: PMC11458961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2024.100860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy is attracting increasing interest because it maintains tumor control while inflicting less damage to normal tissues compared to conventional radiotherapy. This sparing effect, the so-called FLASH effect, is achieved when radiation is delivered at ultra-high dose rates (≥40 Gy/s). Although the FLASH effect has already been demonstrated in several preclinical models, a complete mechanistic description explaining why tumors and normal tissues respond differently is still missing. None of the current hypotheses fully explains the experimental evidence. A common point between many of these is the role of oxygen, which is described as a major factor, either through transient hypoxia in the form of dissolved molecules, or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, this review focuses on both forms of this molecule, retracing old and more recent theories, while proposing new mechanisms that could provide a complete description of the FLASH effect based on preclinical and experimental evidence. In addition, this manuscript describes a set of experiments designed to provide the FLASH community with new tools for exploring the post-irradiation fate of ROS and their potential biological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Scarmelotto
- Laboratory for Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Victor Delprat
- Laboratory for Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Carine Michiels
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC), Namur Research Institute For Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Lucas
- Laboratory for Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium
- Ion Beam Application (IBA), Chemin du Cyclotron, 6, B-1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Anne-Catherine Heuskin
- Laboratory for Analysis by Nuclear Reaction (LARN), Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium
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Grilj V, Leavitt RJ, El Khatib M, Paisley R, Franco-Perez J, Petit B, Ballesteros-Zebadua P, Vozenin MC. In vivo measurements of change in tissue oxygen level during irradiation reveal novel dose rate dependence. Radiother Oncol 2024; 201:110539. [PMID: 39299575 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the radiochemical oxygen depletion (ROD) in vivo by directly measuring oxygen levels in various mouse tissues during ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) irradiation at clinically relevant doses and dose rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice bearing subcutaneous human glioblastoma (U-87 MG) tumors were used for tumor and normal tissue (skin, muscle, brain) measurements. An oxygen-sensitive phosphorescent probe (Oxyphor PtG4) was injected into the tissues, and oxygen levels were monitored using a fiberoptic phosphorometer during UHDR irradiation with a 6 MeV electron linear accelerator (LINAC). Dose escalation experiments (10-40 Gy) were performed at a dose rate of 1300 Gy/s, and dose rate escalation experiments were conducted at a fixed dose of 40 Gy with dose rates ranging from 2 to 101 Gy/s. RESULTS Radiation-induced change in tissue oxygenation (ΔpO2) increased linearly with dose and correlated with baseline tissue oxygenation levels in the range of 0 - 30 mmHg. At higher baseline tissue oxygenation levels, such as those observed in muscle and brain, there was no corresponding increase in ΔpO2. When we modulated dose rate, ΔpO2 increased steeply up to ∼ 20 Gy/s and plateaued thereafter. The relationship between ΔpO2 and dose rate showcases the interplay between ROD and reoxygenation. CONCLUSION While UHDR irradiation induces measurable oxygen depletion in tissues, the observed changes in oxygenation levels do not support the hypothesis that ROD-induced radioresistance is responsible for the FLASH tissue-sparing effect at clinically relevant doses and dose rates. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into alternative mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Grilj
- Institute of Radiation Physics, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Ron J Leavitt
- Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mirna El Khatib
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ryan Paisley
- Institute of Radiation Physics, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Javier Franco-Perez
- Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico; LiRR- Laboratory of Innovation in Radiobiology Applied to Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benoit Petit
- Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Radiotherapy and Radiobiology Sector, Radiation Therapy Service, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; LiRR- Laboratory of Innovation in Radiobiology Applied to Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paola Ballesteros-Zebadua
- Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suarez, Mexico City, Mexico; LiRR- Laboratory of Innovation in Radiobiology Applied to Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Radiotherapy and Radiobiology Sector, Radiation Therapy Service, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; LiRR- Laboratory of Innovation in Radiobiology Applied to Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Drayson OGG, Melemenidis S, Katila N, Viswanathan V, Kramár EA, Zhang R, Kim R, Ru N, Petit B, Dutt S, Manjappa R, Ramish Ashraf M, Lau B, Soto L, Skinner L, Yu AS, Surucu M, Maxim PG, Zebadua-Ballasteros P, Wood MA, Gruel PM, Baulch JE, Vozenin MC, Loo BW, Limoli CL. A multi-institutional study to investigate the sparing effect after whole brain electron FLASH in mice: Reproducibility and temporal evolution of functional, electrophysiological, and neurogenic endpoints. Radiother Oncol 2024:110534. [PMID: 39293721 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ultra-high dose-rate radiotherapy (FLASH) has been shown to mitigate normal tissue toxicities associated with conventional dose rate radiotherapy (CONV) without compromising tumor killing in preclinical models. A prominent challenge in preclinical radiation research, including FLASH, is validating both the physical dosimetry and the biological effects across multiple institutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS We previously demonstrated dosimetric reproducibility of two different electron FLASH devices at separate institutions using standardized phantoms and dosimeters. In this study, tumor-free adult female mice were given 10 Gy whole brain FLASH and CONV irradiation at both institutions and evaluated for the reproducibility and temporal evolution of multiple neurobiological endpoints. RESULTS FLASH sparing of behavioral performance on novel object recognition (4 months post-irradiation) and of electrophysiologic long-term potentiation (LTP, 5 months post-irradiation) was reproduced between institutions. Differences between FLASH and CONV on the endpoints of hippocampal neurogenesis (Sox2, doublecortin), neuroinflammation (microglial activation), and electrophysiology (LTP) were not observed at early times (48 h to 2 weeks), but recovery of immature neurons by 3 weeks was greater with FLASH. CONCLUSION In summary, we demonstrated reproducible FLASH sparing effects on the brain between two different beams at two different institutions with validated dosimetry. FLASH sparing effects on the endpoints evaluated manifested at later but not the earliest time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia G G Drayson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stavros Melemenidis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nikita Katila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Vignesh Viswanathan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Enikö A Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Richard Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Rachel Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ning Ru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Benoit Petit
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Suparna Dutt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rakesh Manjappa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - M Ramish Ashraf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Brianna Lau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Luis Soto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lawrie Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amu S Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Murat Surucu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter G Maxim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Paola Zebadua-Ballasteros
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratorio de Fisica Medica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía MVS, México City 14269, Mexico
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Pierre-Montay Gruel
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Radiation Oncology Department, Iridium Netwerk, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Research in Radiation Oncology (AReRO), Centre for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Janet E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Billy W Loo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Fenwick JD, Mayhew C, Jolly S, Amos RA, Hawkins MA. Navigating the straits: realizing the potential of proton FLASH through physics advances and further pre-clinical characterization. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1420337. [PMID: 39022584 PMCID: PMC11252699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1420337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultra-high dose-rate 'FLASH' radiotherapy may be a pivotal step forward for cancer treatment, widening the therapeutic window between radiation tumour killing and damage to neighbouring normal tissues. The extent of normal tissue sparing reported in pre-clinical FLASH studies typically corresponds to an increase in isotoxic dose-levels of 5-20%, though gains are larger at higher doses. Conditions currently thought necessary for FLASH normal tissue sparing are a dose-rate ≥40 Gy s-1, dose-per-fraction ≥5-10 Gy and irradiation duration ≤0.2-0.5 s. Cyclotron proton accelerators are the first clinical systems to be adapted to irradiate deep-seated tumours at FLASH dose-rates, but even using these machines it is challenging to meet the FLASH conditions. In this review we describe the challenges for delivering FLASH proton beam therapy, the compromises that ensue if these challenges are not addressed, and resulting dosimetric losses. Some of these losses are on the same scale as the gains from FLASH found pre-clinically. We therefore conclude that for FLASH to succeed clinically the challenges must be systematically overcome rather than accommodated, and we survey physical and pre-clinical routes for achieving this.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Fenwick
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Mayhew
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Jolly
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Amos
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A. Hawkins
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Oncology, Radiotherapy Department, University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Garibaldi C, Beddar S, Bizzocchi N, Tobias Böhlen T, Iliaskou C, Moeckli R, Psoroulas S, Subiel A, Taylor PA, Van den Heuvel F, Vanreusel V, Verellen D. Minimum and optimal requirements for a safe clinical implementation of ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy: A focus on patient's safety and radiation protection. Radiother Oncol 2024; 196:110291. [PMID: 38648991 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Garibaldi
- IEO, Unit of Radiation Research, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.
| | - Sam Beddar
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicola Bizzocchi
- Center for Proton Therapy, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Till Tobias Böhlen
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charoula Iliaskou
- Division of Medical Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, 79106, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Raphaël Moeckli
- Institute of Radiation Physics, Lausanne University Hospital and Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serena Psoroulas
- Center for Proton Therapy, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Anna Subiel
- National Physical Laboratory, Medical Radiation Science, Teddington, UK
| | - Paige A Taylor
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Frank Van den Heuvel
- Zuidwest Radiotherapeutisch Institute, Vlissingen, the Netherlands; Dept of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Verdi Vanreusel
- Iridium Netwerk, Antwerp University (Centre for Oncological Research, CORE), Antwerpen, Belgium; SCK CEN (Research in Dosimetric Applications), Mol, Belgium
| | - Dirk Verellen
- Iridium Netwerk, Antwerp University (Centre for Oncological Research, CORE), Antwerpen, Belgium
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McGarrigle JM, Long KR, Prezado Y. The FLASH effect-an evaluation of preclinical studies of ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1340190. [PMID: 38711846 PMCID: PMC11071325 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1340190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is a novel radiotherapy approach based on the use of ultra-high dose radiation to treat malignant cells. Although tumours can be reduced or eradicated using radiotherapy, toxicities induced by radiation can compromise healthy tissues. The FLASH effect is the observation that treatment delivered at an ultra-high dose rate is able to reduce adverse toxicities present at conventional dose rates. While this novel technique may provide a turning point for clinical practice, the exact mechanisms underlying the causes or influences of the FLASH effect are not fully understood. The study presented here uses data collected from 41 experimental investigations (published before March 2024) of the FLASH effect. Searchable databases were constructed to contain the outcomes of the various experiments in addition to values of beam parameters that may have a bearing on the FLASH effect. An in-depth review of the impact of the key beam parameters on the results of the experiments was carried out. Correlations between parameter values and experimental outcomes were studied. Pulse Dose Rate had positive correlations with almost all end points, suggesting viability of FLASH-RT as a new modality of radiotherapy. The collective results of this systematic review study suggest that beam parameter qualities from both FLASH and conventional radiotherapy can be valuable for tissue sparing and effective tumour treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth Richard Long
- Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yolanda Prezado
- Institut Curie, Universite Paris-Saclay, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
- Universite Paris-Saclay, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation radiobiologie et cancer, Orsay, France
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Tang R, Yin J, Liu Y, Xue J. FLASH radiotherapy: A new milestone in the field of cancer radiotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216651. [PMID: 38342233 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the control and eradication of tumors, but it can also induce radiation injury to surrounding normal tissues while targeting tumor cells. In recent years, FLASH-Radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) has emerged as a cutting-edge research focus in the field of radiation therapy. By delivering high radiation doses to the treatment target in an ultra-short time, FLASH-RT produces the FLASH effect, which reduces the toxicity to normal tissues while achieving comparable tumor control efficacy to conventional radiotherapy. This review provides a brief overview of the development history of FLASH-RT and its impact on tumor control. Additionally, it focuses on introducing the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of this technology on various normal tissues, as well as exploring its synergistic effects when combined with other tumor therapies. Importantly, this review discusses the challenges faced in translating FLASH-RT into clinical practice and outlines its promising future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China; Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianqiong Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanxin Liu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Disaster Medical Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Giannini N, Gadducci G, Fuentes T, Gonnelli A, Di Martino F, Puccini P, Naso M, Pasqualetti F, Capaccioli S, Paiar F. Electron FLASH radiotherapy in vivo studies. A systematic review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1373453. [PMID: 38655137 PMCID: PMC11035725 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
FLASH-radiotherapy delivers a radiation beam a thousand times faster compared to conventional radiotherapy, reducing radiation damage in healthy tissues with an equivalent tumor response. Although not completely understood, this radiobiological phenomenon has been proved in several animal models with a spectrum of all kinds of particles currently used in contemporary radiotherapy, especially electrons. However, all the research teams have performed FLASH preclinical studies using industrial linear accelerator or LINAC commonly employed in conventional radiotherapy and modified for the delivery of ultra-high-dose-rate (UHDRs). Unfortunately, the delivering and measuring of UHDR beams have been proved not to be completely reliable with such devices. Concerns arise regarding the accuracy of beam monitoring and dosimetry systems. Additionally, this LINAC totally lacks an integrated and dedicated Treatment Planning System (TPS) able to evaluate the internal dose distribution in the case of in vivo experiments. Finally, these devices cannot modify dose-time parameters of the beam relevant to the flash effect, such as average dose rate; dose per pulse; and instantaneous dose rate. This aspect also precludes the exploration of the quantitative relationship with biological phenomena. The dependence on these parameters need to be further investigated. A promising advancement is represented by a new generation of electron LINAC that has successfully overcome some of these technological challenges. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on in vivo experiments using electron FLASH radiotherapy and explore the promising clinical perspectives associated with this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Giannini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gadducci
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Taiusha Fuentes
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gonnelli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Martino
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Unit of Medical Physics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN)-section of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Paola Puccini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Monica Naso
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Francesco Pasqualetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Simone Capaccioli
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paiar
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
- Centro Pisano Multidisciplinare Sulla Ricerca e Implementazione Clinica Della Flash Radiotherapy (CPFR), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
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Liljedahl E, Konradsson E, Linderfalk K, Gustafsson E, Petersson K, Ceberg C, Redebrandt HN. Comparable survival in rats with intracranial glioblastoma irradiated with single-fraction conventional radiotherapy or FLASH radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1309174. [PMID: 38322292 PMCID: PMC10845047 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1309174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy increases survival in patients with glioblastoma. However, the prescribed dose is limited by unwanted side effects on normal tissue. Previous experimental studies have shown that FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) can reduce these side effects. Still, it is important to establish an equal anti-tumor efficacy comparing FLASH-RT to conventional radiotherapy (CONV-RT). Methods Fully immunocompetent Fischer 344 rats with the GFP-positive NS1 intracranial glioblastoma model were irradiated with CONV-RT or FLASH-RT in one fraction of 20 Gy, 25 Gy or 30 Gy. Animals were monitored for survival and acute dermal side effects. The brains were harvested upon euthanasia and tumors were examined post mortem. Results Survival was significantly increased in animals irradiated with CONV-RT and FLASH-RT at 20 Gy and 25 Gy compared to control animals. The longest survival was reached in animals irradiated with FLASH-RT and CONV-RT at 25 Gy. Irradiation at 30 Gy did not lead to increased survival, despite smaller tumors. Tumor size correlated inversely with irradiation dose, both in animals treated with CONV-RT and FLASH-RT. Acute dermal side effects were mild, but only a small proportion of the animals were alive for evaluation of those side effects. Conclusion The dose response was similar for CONV-RT and FLASH-RT in the present model. Tumor size upon the time of euthanasia correlated inversely with the irradiation dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Liljedahl
- The Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elise Konradsson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Linderfalk
- The Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Gustafsson
- The Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Petersson
- Department of Oncology, Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radiation Physics, Department of Haematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Crister Ceberg
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrietta Nittby Redebrandt
- The Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Nakkazi A, Forster D, Whitfield GA, Dyer DP, Dickie BR. A systematic review of normal tissue neurovascular unit damage following brain irradiation-Factors affecting damage severity and timing of effects. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae098. [PMID: 39239570 PMCID: PMC11375288 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is key in the treatment of primary and secondary brain tumors. However, normal tissue is inevitably irradiated, causing toxicity and contributing to cognitive dysfunction. The relative importance of vascular damage to cognitive decline is poorly understood. Here, we systematically review the evidence for radiation-induced damage to the entire neurovascular unit (NVU), particularly focusing on establishing the factors that influence damage severity, and timing and duration of vascular effects relative to effects on neural tissue. Methods Using PubMed and Web of Science, we searched preclinical and clinical literature published between January 1, 1970 and December 1, 2022 and evaluated factors influencing NVU damage severity and timing of NVU effects resulting from ionizing radiation. Results Seventy-two rodents, 4 canines, 1 rabbit, and 5 human studies met inclusion criteria. Radiation increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, reduced endothelial cell number and extracellular matrix proteoglycans, reduced tight junction proteins, upregulated cellular adhesion molecule expression, reduced activity of glucose and BBB efflux transporters and activated glial cells. In the brain parenchyma, increased metalloproteinases 2 and 9 levels, demyelination, cell death, and inhibited differentiation were observed. Effects on the vasculature and neural compartment were observed across acute, delayed, and late timepoints, and damage extent was higher with low linear energy transfer radiation, higher doses, lower dose rates, broader beams, and in the presence of a tumor. Conclusions Irradiation of normal brain tissue leads to widespread and varied impacts on the NVU. Data indicate that vascular damage is in most cases an early effect that does not quickly resolve. More studies are needed to confirm sequence of damages, and mechanisms that lead to cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annet Nakkazi
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Duncan Forster
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Gillian A Whitfield
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Douglas P Dyer
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben R Dickie
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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11
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Shiraishi Y, Matsuya Y, Kusumoto T, Fukunaga H. Modeling for predicting survival fraction of cells after ultra-high dose rate irradiation. Phys Med Biol 2023; 69:015017. [PMID: 38056015 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad131b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective. FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) with ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) irradiation (i.e. > 40 Gy s-1) spares the function of normal tissues while preserving antitumor efficacy, known as the FLASH effect. The biological effects after conventional dose rate-radiotherapy (CONV-RT) with ≤0.1 Gy s-1have been well modeled by considering microdosimetry and DNA repair processes, meanwhile modeling of radiosensitivities under UHDR irradiation is insufficient. Here, we developed anintegrated microdosimetric-kinetic(IMK)model for UHDR-irradiationenabling the prediction of surviving fraction after UHDR irradiation.Approach.TheIMK model for UHDR-irradiationconsiders the initial DNA damage yields by the modification of indirect effects under UHDR compared to CONV dose rate. The developed model is based on the linear-quadratic (LQ) nature with the dose and dose square coefficients, considering the reduction of DNA damage yields as a function of dose rate.Main results.The estimate by the developed model could successfully reproduce thein vitroexperimental dose-response curve for various cell line types and dose rates.Significance.The developed model would be useful for predicting the biological effects under the UHDR irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Shiraishi
- Graduate school of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Japan Healthcare University, 3-11-1-50 Tsukisamu-higashi, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 062-0053, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matsuya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Tamon Kusumoto
- National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Hisanori Fukunaga
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
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12
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Tu KJ, Stewart CE, Williams NT, Ma Y, Luo L, Ghosh D, Weidenhammer LB, Floyd SR, Fan Y, Kirsch DG, Oldham M, Reitman ZJ. Single-fraction Radiation Treatment Dose Response in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Medulloblastoma. Radiat Res 2023; 200:587-592. [PMID: 37990957 PMCID: PMC11037923 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00126.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of children. Although standard of care radiotherapy for pediatric medulloblastoma (PM) can lead to long-term remission or cure in many patients, it can also cause life-long cognitive impairment and other adverse effects. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in radiation-induced cerebral damage are incompletely understood, and their elucidation may lead to interventions that mitigate radiation toxicity. To explore the mechanisms of radiation-induced cerebral damage, transgenic mouse models of PM and non-tumor-bearing controls were exposed to radiation doses that ranged from 0 to 30 Gy. Between 0-20 Gy, a significant dose-dependent reduction in tumor-associated hydrocephalus and increase in overall survival were observed. However, at 30 Gy, hydrocephalus incidence increased and median overall survival fell to near-untreated levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed that both tumor-bearing and non-tumor-bearing mice treated with 30 Gy of radiation had significantly more reactive astrocytes and microvascular damage compared to untreated controls. This effect was persistent across mice that were given 1 and 2 weeks of recovery time after irradiation. Our data suggest that radiation therapy promotes neural death by inducing long-term neuroinflammation in PM, suggesting radiation delivery methods that limit inflammation may be effective at widening the therapeutic window of radiation therapy in PM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Tu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA 21044
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK CB2 0RE
| | - Connor E. Stewart
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Nerissa T. Williams
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Lixia Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Debosir Ghosh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Loren B. Weidenhammer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Scott R. Floyd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19104
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Mark Oldham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
| | - Zachary J. Reitman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Durham, NC, USA 27710
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA 27710
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13
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Lin B, Fan M, Niu T, Liang Y, Xu H, Tang W, Du X. Key changes in the future clinical application of ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1244488. [PMID: 37941555 PMCID: PMC10628486 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1244488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultra-high dose rate radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an external beam radiotherapy strategy that uses an extremely high dose rate (≥40 Gy/s). Compared with conventional dose rate radiotherapy (≤0.1 Gy/s), the main advantage of FLASH-RT is that it can reduce damage of organs at risk surrounding the cancer and retain the anti-tumor effect. An important feature of FLASH-RT is that an extremely high dose rate leads to an extremely short treatment time; therefore, in clinical applications, the steps of radiotherapy may need to be adjusted. In this review, we discuss the selection of indications, simulations, target delineation, selection of radiotherapy technologies, and treatment plan evaluation for FLASH-RT to provide a theoretical basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binwei Lin
- Department of Oncology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital), Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
| | - Mi Fan
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Tingting Niu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuwen Liang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Haonan Xu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wenqiang Tang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaobo Du
- Department of Oncology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation (Mianyang Central Hospital), Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Mianyang, China
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14
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Polevoy GG, Kumar DS, Daripelli S, Prasanna M. Flash Therapy for Cancer: A Potentially New Radiotherapy Methodology. Cureus 2023; 15:e46928. [PMID: 38021805 PMCID: PMC10640654 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In traditional treatment modalities and standard clinical practices, FLASH radiotherapy (FL-RT) administers radiation therapy at an exceptionally high dosage rate. When compared to standard dose rate radiation therapy, numerous preclinical investigations have demonstrated that FL-RT provides similar benefits in conserving normal tissue while maintaining equal antitumor efficacy, a phenomenon possible due to the 'FLASH effect' (FE) of FL-RT. The methodologies involve proton radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation treatment, and managing high-throughput damage by radiation to solid tissues. Recent results from animal studies indicate that FL-RT can reduce radiation-induced tissue damage, significantly enhancing anticancer potency. Focusing on the potential benefits of FL proton beam treatment in the years to come, this review details the FL-RT research that has been done so far and the existing theories illuminating the FL effects. This subject remains of interest, with many issues still needing to be answered. We offer a brief review to emphasize a few of the key efforts and difficulties in moving FL radiation research forward. The existing research state of FL-RT, its affecting variables, and its different specific impacts are presented in this current review. Key topics discussed include the biochemical mechanism during FL therapy, beam sources for FL therapy, the FL effect on immunity, clinical and preclinical studies on the protective effect of FL therapy, and parameters for effective FL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devika S Kumar
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, IND
| | - Sushma Daripelli
- Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College (GMC) Jangaon, Jangaon, IND
| | - Muthu Prasanna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Surya Group of Institutions, Tamil Nadu, IND
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15
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Gan C, Li W, Xu J, Pang L, Tang L, Yu S, Li A, Ge H, Huang R, Cheng H. Advances in the study of the molecular biological mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3275-3299. [PMID: 37693137 PMCID: PMC10492106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for head and neck cancers, but it often leads to radiation-induced brain injury. Patients with radiation-induced brain injury have a poorer quality of life, and no effective treatments are available. The pathogenesis of this condition is unknown. This review summarizes the molecular biological mechanism of radiation-induced brain injury and provides research directions for future studies. The molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced brain injury are diverse and complex. Radiation-induced chronic neuroinflammation, destruction of the blood-brain barrier, oxidative stress, neuronal damage, and physiopathological responses caused by specific exosome secretion lead to radiation-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lingxue Tang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sheng Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Anlong Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Han Ge
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Runze Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityShenzhen, Guangdong, China
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16
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Chappuis F, Tran HN, Zein SA, Bailat C, Incerti S, Bochud F, Desorgher L. The general-purpose Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and its Geant4-DNA extension to investigate mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect in radiotherapy: Current status and challenges. Phys Med 2023; 110:102601. [PMID: 37201453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy is a promising approach to cancer treatment that offers several advantages over conventional radiotherapy. With this novel technique, high doses of radiation are delivered in a short period of time, inducing the so-called FLASH effect - a phenomenon characterized by healthy tissue sparing without alteration of tumor control. The mechanisms behind the FLASH effect remain unknown. One way to approach this problem is to gain insight into the initial parameters that can distinguish FLASH from conventional irradiation by simulating particle transport in aqueous media using the general-purpose Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit and its Geant4-DNA extension. This review article discusses the current status of Geant4 and Geant4-DNA simulations to investigate mechanisms underlying the FLASH effect, as well as the challenges faced in this research field. One of the primary challenges is to accurately simulate the experimental irradiation parameters. Another challenge is the temporal extension of the simulations. This review also focuses on two hypotheses to explain the FLASH effect - namely the oxygen depletion hypothesis and the inter-track interactions hypothesis - and discusses how the Geant4 toolkit can be used to investigate them. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of Geant4 and Geant4-DNA simulations for FLASH radiotherapy and to highlight the challenges that need to be overcome in order to better study the FLASH effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flore Chappuis
- Institute of Radiation Physics (IRA), Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hoang Ngoc Tran
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I Bordeaux, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Sara A Zein
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I Bordeaux, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - Claude Bailat
- Institute of Radiation Physics (IRA), Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Incerti
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, LP2I Bordeaux, UMR 5797, F-33170 Gradignan, France
| | - François Bochud
- Institute of Radiation Physics (IRA), Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Desorgher
- Institute of Radiation Physics (IRA), Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, CH-1007 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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17
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Allen BD, Alaghband Y, Kramár EA, Ru N, Petit B, Grilj V, Petronek MS, Pulliam CF, Kim RY, Doan NL, Baulch JE, Wood MA, Bailat C, Spitz DR, Vozenin MC, Limoli CL. Elucidating the neurological mechanism of the FLASH effect in juvenile mice exposed to hypofractionated radiotherapy. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:927-939. [PMID: 36334265 PMCID: PMC10158064 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrahigh dose-rate radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) affords improvements in the therapeutic index by minimizing normal tissue toxicities without compromising antitumor efficacy compared to conventional dose-rate radiotherapy (CONV-RT). To investigate the translational potential of FLASH-RT to a human pediatric medulloblastoma brain tumor, we used a radiosensitive juvenile mouse model to assess adverse long-term neurological outcomes. METHODS Cohorts of 3-week-old male and female C57Bl/6 mice exposed to hypofractionated (2 × 10 Gy, FLASH-RT or CONV-RT) whole brain irradiation and unirradiated controls underwent behavioral testing to ascertain cognitive status four months posttreatment. Animals were sacrificed 6 months post-irradiation and tissues were analyzed for neurological and cerebrovascular decrements. RESULTS The neurological impact of FLASH-RT was analyzed over a 6-month follow-up. FLASH-RT ameliorated neurocognitive decrements induced by CONV-RT and preserved synaptic plasticity and integrity at the electrophysiological (long-term potentiation), molecular (synaptophysin), and structural (Bassoon/Homer-1 bouton) levels in multiple brain regions. The benefits of FLASH-RT were also linked to reduced neuroinflammation (activated microglia) and the preservation of the cerebrovascular structure, by maintaining aquaporin-4 levels and minimizing microglia colocalized to vessels. CONCLUSIONS Hypofractionated FLASH-RT affords significant and long-term normal tissue protection in the radiosensitive juvenile mouse brain when compared to CONV-RT. The capability of FLASH-RT to preserve critical cognitive outcomes and electrophysiological properties over 6-months is noteworthy and highlights its potential for resolving long-standing complications faced by pediatric brain tumor survivors. While care must be exercised before clinical translation is realized, present findings document the marked benefits of FLASH-RT that extend from synapse to cognition and the microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrett D Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Yasaman Alaghband
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Eniko A Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ning Ru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Benoit Petit
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Veljko Grilj
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael S Petronek
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Casey F Pulliam
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Rachel Y Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Ngoc-Lien Doan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Janet E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Claude Bailat
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Douglas R Spitz
- Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2695, USA
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18
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Alaghband Y, Allen BD, Kramár EA, Zhang R, Drayson OG, Ru N, Petit B, Almeida A, Doan NL, Wood MA, Baulch JE, Ballesteros-Zebadua P, Vozenin MC, Limoli CL. Uncovering the Protective Neurologic Mechanisms of Hypofractionated FLASH Radiotherapy. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:725-737. [PMID: 37377749 PMCID: PMC10135433 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Implementation of ultra-high dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is rapidly gaining traction as a unique cancer treatment modality able to dramatically minimize normal tissue toxicity while maintaining antitumor efficacy compared with standard-of-care radiotherapy at conventional dose rate (CONV-RT). The resultant improvements in the therapeutic index have sparked intense investigations in pursuit of the underlying mechanisms. As a preamble to clinical translation, we exposed non-tumor-bearing male and female mice to hypofractionated (3 × 10 Gy) whole brain FLASH- and CONV-RT to evaluate differential neurologic responses using a comprehensive panel of functional and molecular outcomes over a 6-month follow-up. In each instance, extensive and rigorous behavioral testing showed FLASH-RT to preserve cognitive indices of learning and memory that corresponded to a similar protection of synaptic plasticity as measured by long-term potentiation (LTP). These beneficial functional outcomes were not found after CONV-RT and were linked to a preservation of synaptic integrity at the molecular (synaptophysin) level and to reductions in neuroinflammation (CD68+ microglia) throughout specific brain regions known to be engaged by our selected cognitive tasks (hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex). Ultrastructural changes in presynaptic/postsynaptic bouton (Bassoon/Homer-1 puncta) within these same regions of the brain were not found to differ in response to dose rate. With this clinically relevant dosing regimen, we provide a mechanistic blueprint from synapse to cognition detailing how FLASH-RT reduces normal tissue complications in the irradiated brain. Significance Functional preservation of cognition and LTP after hypofractionated FLASH-RT are linked to a protection of synaptic integrity and a reduction in neuroinflammation over protracted after irradiation times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Alaghband
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Barrett D. Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Eniko A. Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Richard Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Olivia G.G. Drayson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ning Ru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Benoit Petit
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aymeric Almeida
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ngoc-Lien Doan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Marcelo A. Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Janet E. Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Paola Ballesteros-Zebadua
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía MVS, México City, México
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles L. Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
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Zhang Q, Gerweck LE, Cascio E, Yang Q, Huang P, Niemierko A, Bertolet A, Nesteruk KP, McNamara A, Schuemann J. Proton FLASH effects on mouse skin at different oxygen tensions. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:10.1088/1361-6560/acb888. [PMID: 36731139 PMCID: PMC11164666 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acb888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Irradiation at FLASH dose rates (>40 Gy s-1) has received great attention due to its reported normal tissue sparing effect. The FLASH effect was originally observed in electron irradiations but has since been shown to also occur with both photon and proton beams. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tissue sparing at high dose rates, including effects involving oxygen, such as depletion of oxygen within the irradiated cells. In this study, we investigated the protective role of FLASH proton irradiation on the skin when varying the oxygen concentration.Approach. Our double scattering proton system provided a 1.2 × 1.6 cm2elliptical field at a dose rate of ∼130 Gy s-1. The conventional dose rate was ∼0.4 Gy s-1. The legs of the FVB/N mice were marked with two tattooed dots and fixed in a holder for exposure. To alter the skin oxygen concentration, the mice were breathing pure oxygen or had their legs tied to restrict blood flow. The distance between the two dots was measured to analyze skin contraction over time.Main results. FLASH irradiation mitigated skin contraction by 15% compared to conventional dose rate irradiation. The epidermis thickness and collagen deposition at 75 d following 25 to 30 Gy exposure suggested a long-term protective function in the skin from FLASH irradiation. Providing the mice with oxygen or reducing the skin oxygen concentration removed the dose-rate-dependent difference in response.Significance. FLASH proton irradiation decreased skin contraction, epidermis thickness and collagen deposition compared to standard dose rate irradiations. The observed oxygen-dependence of the FLASH effect is consistent with, but not conclusive of, fast oxygen depletion during the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixian Zhang
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Leo E Gerweck
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ethan Cascio
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Qingyuan Yang
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Peigen Huang
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Andrzej Niemierko
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Bertolet
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Konrad Pawel Nesteruk
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Aimee McNamara
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jan Schuemann
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Mali SB, Dahivelkar S. Flash radiotherapy-gateway to promised land or another mirage. Oral Oncol 2023; 139:106342. [PMID: 36821983 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy damages cancer cells with ionizing radiation, leading to their death. However, radiation‑induced toxicity limits the dose delivered to the tumor, thereby constraining the control effect of radiotherapy n tumor growth. In addition, the delayed toxicity caused by radiotherapy significantly harms the physical and mental health of patients. FLASH‑RT, an emerging class of radiotherapy, causes a phenomenon known as the 'FLASH effect', which delivers radiotherapy at an ultra‑high dose rate with lower toxicity to normal tissue than conventional radiotherapy to achieve local tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant B Mali
- MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir's Dental College and Hospital Nashik, India.
| | - Sachinkumar Dahivelkar
- MDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir's Dental College and Hospital Nashik, India.
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Iturri L, Bertho A, Lamirault C, Juchaux M, Gilbert C, Espenon J, Sebrie C, Jourdain L, Pouzoulet F, Verrelle P, De Marzi L, Prezado Y. Proton FLASH Radiation Therapy and Immune Infiltration: Evaluation in an Orthotopic Glioma Rat Model. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022:S0360-3016(22)03639-2. [PMID: 36563907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE FLASH radiation therapy (FLASH-RT) is a promising radiation technique that uses ultrahigh doses of radiation to increase the therapeutic window of the treatment. FLASH-RT has been observed to provide normal tissue sparing at high dose rates and similar tumor control compared with conventional RT, yet the biological processes governing these radiobiological effects are still unknown. In this study, we sought to investigate the potential immune response generated by FLASH-RT in a high dose of proton therapy in an orthotopic glioma rat model. METHODS AND MATERIALS We cranially irradiated rats with a single high dose (25 Gy) using FLASH dose rate proton irradiation (257 ± 2 Gy/s) or conventional dose rate proton irradiation (4 ± 0.02 Gy/s). We first assessed the protective FLASH effect that resulted in our setup through behavioral studies in naïve rats. This was followed by a comprehensive analysis of immune cells in blood, healthy tissue of the brain, and tumor microenvironment by flow cytometry. RESULTS Proton FLASH-RT spared memory impairment produced by conventional high-dose proton therapy and induced a similar tumor infiltrating lymphocyte recruitment. Additionally, a general neuroinflammation that was similar in both dose rates was observed. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study demonstrated that FLASH proton therapy offers a neuro-protective effect even at high doses while mounting an effective lymphoid immune response in the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorea Iturri
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France.
| | - Annaïg Bertho
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Charlotte Lamirault
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Département de Recherche Translationnelle, CurieCoreTech-Experimental Radiotherapy (RadeXp), Paris, France
| | - Marjorie Juchaux
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Cristèle Gilbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Julie Espenon
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Catherine Sebrie
- CEA, CNRS, Inserm, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, BIOMAPS Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Laurène Jourdain
- CEA, CNRS, Inserm, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, BIOMAPS Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Frédéric Pouzoulet
- Institut Curie, PSL University, Département de Recherche Translationnelle, CurieCoreTech-Experimental Radiotherapy (RadeXp), Paris, France
| | - Pierre Verrelle
- Institut Curie, Campus Universitaire, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, INSERM LITO (U1288), Orsay, 91898 France; Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay, Radiation Oncology Department, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, 91898 France
| | - Ludovic De Marzi
- Institut Curie, Campus Universitaire, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, INSERM LITO (U1288), Orsay, 91898 France; Centre de Protonthérapie d'Orsay, Radiation Oncology Department, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Orsay, 91898 France
| | - Yolanda Prezado
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
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22
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Calvo FA, Ayestaran A, Serrano J, Cambeiro M, Palma J, Meiriño R, Morcillo MA, Lapuente F, Chiva L, Aguilar B, Azcona D, Pedrero D, Pascau J, Delgado JM, Aristu J, Prezado Y. Practice-oriented solutions integrating intraoperative electron irradiation and personalized proton therapy for recurrent or unresectable cancers: Proof of concept and potential for dual FLASH effect. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1037262. [PMID: 36452493 PMCID: PMC9703091 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1037262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oligo-recurrent disease has a consolidated evidence of long-term surviving patients due to the use of intense local cancer therapy. The latter combines real-time surgical exploration/resection with high-energy electron beam single dose of irradiation. This results in a very precise radiation dose deposit, which is an essential element of contemporary multidisciplinary individualized oncology. Methods Patient candidates to proton therapy were evaluated in Multidisciplinary Tumor Board to consider improved treatment options based on the institutional resources and expertise. Proton therapy was delivered by a synchrotron-based pencil beam scanning technology with energy levels from 70.2 to 228.7 MeV, whereas intraoperative electrons were generated in a miniaturized linear accelerator with dose rates ranging from 22 to 36 Gy/min (at Dmax) and energies from 6 to 12 MeV. Results In a period of 24 months, 327 patients were treated with proton therapy: 218 were adults, 97 had recurrent cancer, and 54 required re-irradiation. The specific radiation modalities selected in five cases included an integral strategy to optimize the local disease management by the combination of surgery, intraoperative electron boost, and external pencil beam proton therapy as components of the radiotherapy management. Recurrent cancer was present in four cases (cervix, sarcoma, melanoma, and rectum), and one patient had a primary unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In re-irradiated patients (cervix and rectum), a tentative radical total dose was achieved by integrating beams of electrons (ranging from 10- to 20-Gy single dose) and protons (30 to 54-Gy Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE), in 10-25 fractions). Conclusions Individual case solution strategies combining intraoperative electron radiation therapy and proton therapy for patients with oligo-recurrent or unresectable localized cancer are feasible. The potential of this combination can be clinically explored with electron and proton FLASH beams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Calvo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Ayestaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Serrano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mauricio Cambeiro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacobo Palma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Meiriño
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Morcillo
- Medical Applications Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Lapuente
- Department of Surgery, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Chiva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstretics, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Borja Aguilar
- Department of Medical Physics, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Azcona
- Department of Medical Physics, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Pedrero
- Department of Medical Physics, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Pascau
- Department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Miguel Delgado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Aristu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Prezado
- Translational Research Department. Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR, Inserm, Signalisation, Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR, Inserm, Signalisation, Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
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FLASHlab@PITZ: New R&D platform with unique capabilities for electron FLASH and VHEE radiation therapy and radiation biology under preparation at PITZ. Phys Med 2022; 104:174-187. [PMID: 36463582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
At the Photo Injector Test facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ), an R&D platform for electron FLASH and very high energy electron radiation therapy and radiation biology is being prepared (FLASHlab@PITZ). The beam parameters available at PITZ are worldwide unique. They are based on experiences from 20 + years of developing high brightness beam sources and an ultra-intensive THz light source demonstrator for ps scale electron bunches with up to 5 nC bunch charge at MHz repetition rate in bunch trains of up to 1 ms length, currently 22 MeV (upgrade to 250 MeV planned). Individual bunches can provide peak dose rates up to 1014 Gy/s, and 10 Gy can be delivered within picoseconds. Upon demand, each bunch of the bunch train can be guided to a different transverse location, so that either a "painting" with micro beams (comparable to pencil beam scanning in proton therapy) or a cumulative increase of absorbed dose, using a wide beam distribution, can be realized at the tumor. Full tumor treatment can hence be completed within 1 ms, mitigating organ movement issues. With extremely flexible beam manipulation capabilities, FLASHlab@PITZ will cover the current parameter range of successfully demonstrated FLASH effects and extend the parameter range towards yet unexploited short treatment times and high dose rates. A summary of the plans for FLASHlab@PITZ and the status of its realization will be presented.
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Konradsson E, Liljedahl E, Gustafsson E, Adrian G, Beyer S, Ilaahi SE, Petersson K, Ceberg C, Nittby Redebrandt H. Comparable Long-Term Tumor Control for Hypofractionated FLASH Versus Conventional Radiation Therapy in an Immunocompetent Rat Glioma Model. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:101011. [PMID: 36092986 PMCID: PMC9449779 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To ensure a clinical translation of FLASH radiation therapy (FLASH-RT) for a specific tumor type, studies on tumor control and toxicity within the same biological system are needed. In this study, our objective was to evaluate tumor control and toxicity for hypofractionated FLASH-RT and conventional radiation therapy (CONV-RT) in an immunocompetent rat glioma model. Methods and Materials Fisher 344 rats (N = 68) were inoculated subcutaneously with NS1 glioma cells and randomized into groups (n = 9-10 per group). CONV-RT (∼8 Gy/min) or FLASH-RT (70-90 Gy/s) was administered in 3 fractions of either 8 Gy, 12.5 Gy, or 15 Gy using a 10-MeV electron beam. The maximum tumor diameter was measured weekly, and overall survival was determined until day 100. Long-term tumor control was defined as no evident tumor on day 100. Animals were evaluated for acute dermal side effects at 2 to 5 weeks after completed RT and for late dermal side effects at 3 months after initiation of treatment. Results Survival was significantly increased in all irradiated groups compared with control animals (P < .001). In general, irradiated tumors started to shrink at 1 week post-completed RT. In 40% (23 of 58) of the irradiated animals, long-term tumor control was achieved. Radiation-induced skin toxic effects were mild and consisted of hair loss, erythema, and dry desquamation. No severe toxic effect was observed. There was no significant difference between FLASH-RT and CONV-RT in overall survival, acute side effects, or late side effects for any of the dose levels. Conclusions This study shows that hypofractionated FLASH-RT results in long-term tumor control rates similar to those of CONV-RT for the treatment of large subcutaneous glioblastomas in immunocompetent rats. Neither treatment technique induced severe skin toxic effects. Consequently, no significant difference in toxicity could be resolved, suggesting that higher doses may be required to detect a FLASH sparing of skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Konradsson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Liljedahl
- Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emma Gustafsson
- Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Adrian
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sarah Beyer
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Suhayb Ehsaan Ilaahi
- Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Petersson
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Crister Ceberg
- Medical Radiation Physics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henrietta Nittby Redebrandt
- Rausing Laboratory, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Vozenin MC, Bourhis J, Durante M. Towards clinical translation of FLASH radiotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:791-803. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00697-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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The Microbeam Insert at the White Beam Beamline P61A at the Synchrotron PETRA III/DESY: A New Tool for High Dose Rate Irradiation Research. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205137. [PMID: 36291920 PMCID: PMC9600877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The excellent preservation of normal tissue function after high dose rate radiotherapy has been shown in pre-clinical studies. Normal tissue in the tumor environment is well preserved even after target doses of several hundred Gy while reliably destroying the tumor cells. These results have triggered the establishment of appropriate research structures at the synchrotron PETRA III on the DESY campus in Hamburg, Germany. Dose rates of hundreds of Gy/s can be achieved, compared to 6–20 Gy/min in clinical radiotherapy. We describe the design, development, key parameters, and first use of a mobile insert for high dose rate radiotherapy research, a new research instrument at P61A, the first polychromatic beamline of PETRA III. The data obtained at the end station P61A will support the international interdisciplinary effort to improve radiotherapy concepts for patients with malignant tumors that are considered radioresistant with the currently established clinical radiotherapy techniques. Abstract High dose rate radiotherapies such as FLASH and microbeam radiotherapy (MRT) both have developed to the stage of first veterinary studies within the last decade. With the development of a new research tool for high dose rate radiotherapy at the end station P61A of the synchrotron beamline P61 on the DESY campus in Hamburg, we increased the research capacity in this field to speed up the translation of the radiotherapy techniques which are still experimental, from bench to bedside. At P61, dose rates of several hundred Gy/s can be delivered. Compared to dedicated biomedical beamlines, the beam width available for MRT experiments is a very restrictive factor. We developed two model systems specifically to suit these specific technical parameters and tested them in a first set of experiments.
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Potential Molecular Mechanisms behind the Ultra-High Dose Rate "FLASH" Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012109. [PMID: 36292961 PMCID: PMC9602825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy, or the delivery of a dose at an ultra-high dose rate (>40 Gy/s), has recently emerged as a promising tool to enhance the therapeutic index in cancer treatment. The remarkable sparing of normal tissues and equivalent tumor control by FLASH irradiation compared to conventional dose rate irradiation—the FLASH effect—has already been demonstrated in several preclinical models and even in a first patient with T-cell cutaneous lymphoma. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for the differential effect produced by FLASH irradiation in normal and cancer cells remain to be elucidated. This is of great importance because a good understanding of the underlying radiobiological mechanisms and characterization of the specific beam parameters is required for a successful clinical translation of FLASH radiotherapy. In this review, we summarize the FLASH investigations performed so far and critically evaluate the current hypotheses explaining the FLASH effect, including oxygen depletion, the production of reactive oxygen species, and an altered immune response. We also propose a new theory that assumes an important role of mitochondria in mediating the normal tissue and tumor response to FLASH dose rates.
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Li L, Yuan Y, Zuo Y. A review of the impact of FLASH radiotherapy on the central nervous system and glioma. RADIATION MEDICINE AND PROTECTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Gao Y, Liu R, Chang C, Charyyev S, Zhou J, Bradley JD, Liu T, Yang X. A potential revolution in cancer treatment: A topical review of FLASH radiotherapy. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2022; 23:e13790. [PMID: 36168677 PMCID: PMC9588273 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy (RT) is a novel technique in which the ultrahigh dose rate (UHDR) (≥40 Gy/s) is delivered to the entire treatment volume. Recent outcomes of in vivo studies show that the UHDR RT has the potential to spare normal tissue without sacrificing tumor control. There is a growing interest in the application of FLASH RT, and the ultrahigh dose irradiation delivery has been achieved by a few experimental and modified linear accelerators. The underlying mechanism of FLASH effect is yet to be fully understood, but the oxygen depletion in normal tissue providing extra protection during FLASH irradiation is a hypothesis that attracts most attention currently. Monte Carlo simulation is playing an important role in FLASH, enabling the understanding of its dosimetry calculations and hardware design. More advanced Monte Carlo simulation tools are under development to fulfill the challenge of reproducing the radiolysis and radiobiology processes in FLASH irradiation. FLASH RT may become one of standard treatment modalities for tumor treatment in the future. This paper presents the history and status of FLASH RT studies with a focus on FLASH irradiation delivery modalities, underlying mechanism of FLASH effect, in vivo and vitro experiments, and simulation studies. Existing challenges and prospects of this novel technique are discussed in this manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Ruirui Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Chih‐Wei Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Serdar Charyyev
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Jeffrey D. Bradley
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Tian Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Winship Cancer InstituteEmory UniversityAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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Lin B, Huang D, Gao F, Yang Y, Wu D, Zhang Y, Feng G, Dai T, Du X. Mechanisms of FLASH effect. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995612. [PMID: 36212435 PMCID: PMC9537695 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is a novel radiotherapy technology defined as ultra-high dose rate (≥ 40 Gy/s) radiotherapy. The biological effects of FLASH-RT include two aspects: first, compared with conventional dose rate radiotherapy, FLASH-RT can reduce radiation-induced damage in healthy tissue, and second, FLASH-RT can retain antitumor effectiveness. Current research shows that mechanisms of the biological effects of FLASH-RT are related to oxygen. However, due to the short time of FLASH-RT, evidences related to the mechanisms are indirect, and the exact mechanisms of the biological effects of FLASH-RT are not completely clear and some are even contradictory. This review focuses on the mechanisms of the biological effects of FLASH-RT and proposes future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binwei Lin
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Radiology Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Feng Gao
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Yiwei Yang
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
| | - Dai Wu
- Institute of Applied Electronics, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Gang Feng
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Tangzhi Dai
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiaobo Du
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang Central Hospital, Department of Oncology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
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Schneider T, Fernandez-Palomo C, Bertho A, Fazzari J, Iturri L, Martin OA, Trappetti V, Djonov V, Prezado Y. Combining FLASH and spatially fractionated radiation therapy: The best of both worlds. Radiother Oncol 2022; 175:169-177. [PMID: 35952978 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) and spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) are two new therapeutical strategies that use non-standard dose delivery methods to reduce normal tissue toxicity and increase the therapeutic index. Although likely based on different mechanisms, both FLASH-RT and SFRT have shown to elicit radiobiological effects that significantly differ from those induced by conventional radiotherapy. With the therapeutic potential having been established separately for each technique, the combination of FLASH-RT and SFRT could therefore represent a winning alliance. In this review, we discuss the state of the art, advantages and current limitations, potential synergies, and where a combination of these two techniques could be implemented today or in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schneider
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France
| | | | - Annaïg Bertho
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Jennifer Fazzari
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lorea Iturri
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Olga A Martin
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; Division of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Verdiana Trappetti
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentin Djonov
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 2, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yolanda Prezado
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3347, Inserm U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, 91400 Orsay, France.
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Dokic I, Meister S, Bojcevski J, Tessonnier T, Walsh D, Knoll M, Mein S, Tang Z, Vogelbacher L, Rittmueller C, Moustafa M, Krunic D, Brons S, Haberer T, Debus J, Mairani A, Abdollahi A. Neuroprotective Effects of Ultra-High Dose Rate FLASH Bragg Peak Proton Irradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 113:614-623. [PMID: 35196536 PMCID: PMC11034835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate brain tissue response to ultra-high dose rate (uHDR, FLASH) and standard dose rate (SDR) proton irradiations in the Bragg peak region. METHODS AND MATERIALS Active scanning uHDR delivery was established for proton beams for investigation of dose rate effects between clinical SDR and uHDR at ∼10 Gy in the Bragg peak region (dose-averaged linear energy transfer [LETD] ranging from 4.5 to 10.2 keV µm-1 ). Radiation- induced injury of neuronal tissue was assessed by studying the DNA double strand break repair kinetics surrogated by nuclear γH2AX staining (radiation induced foci [RIF]), microvascular density and structural integrity (MVD, CD31+ endothelium), and inflammatory microenvironmental response (CD68+ microglia/macrophages and high mobility group box protein 1[HMGB]) in healthy C57BL/6 mouse brains. RESULTS Averaged dose rates achieved were 0.17 Gy/s (SDR) and 120 Gy/s (uHDR). The fraction of RIF-positive cells increased after SDR ∼10-fold, whereas a significantly lower fraction of RIF-positive cells was found after uHDR versus SDR (∼2 fold, P < .0001). Moreover, uHDR substantially preserved the microvascular architecture and reduced microglia/macrophage regulated associated inflammation as compared with SDR. CONCLUSIONS The feasibility of uHDR raster scanning proton irradiation is demonstrated to elicit FLASH sparing neuroprotective effects compared to SDR in a preclinical in vivo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Dokic
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sarah Meister
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jovana Bojcevski
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Dietrich Walsh
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Knoll
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stewart Mein
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zili Tang
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Vogelbacher
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Rittmueller
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Moustafa
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Clinical Pathology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Damir Krunic
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Brons
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haberer
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Mairani
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), Pavia, Italy
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core-Center Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
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Farr J, Grilj V, Malka V, Sudharsan S, Schippers M. Ultra‐High dose rate radiation production and delivery systems intended for FLASH. Med Phys 2022; 49:4875-4911. [PMID: 35403262 PMCID: PMC9544515 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher dose rates, a trend for radiotherapy machines, can be beneficial in shortening treatment times for radiosurgery and mitigating the effects of motion. Recently, even higher doses (e.g., 100 times greater) have become targeted because of their potential to generate the FLASH effect (FE). We refer to these physical dose rates as ultra‐high (UHDR). The complete relationship between UHDR and the FE is unknown. But UHDR systems are needed to explore the relationship further and to deliver clinical UHDR treatments, where indicated. Despite the challenging set of unknowns, the authors seek to make reasonable assumptions to probe how existing and developing technology can address the UHDR conditions needed to provide beam generation capable of producing the FE in preclinical and clinical applications. As a preface, this paper discusses the known and unknown relationships between UHDR and the FE. Based on these, different accelerator and ionizing radiation types are then discussed regarding the relevant UHDR needs. The details of UHDR beam production are discussed for existing and potential future systems such as linacs, cyclotrons, synchrotrons, synchrocyclotrons, and laser accelerators. In addition, various UHDR delivery mechanisms are discussed, along with required developments in beam diagnostics and dose control systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Farr
- Applications of Detectors and Accelerators to Medicine Meyrin 1217 Switzerland
| | - Veljko Grilj
- Lausanne University Hospital Lausanne 1011 Switzerland
| | - Victor Malka
- Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 7610001 Israel
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Friedl AA, Prise KM, Butterworth KT, Montay-Gruel P, Favaudon V. Radiobiology of the FLASH effect. Med Phys 2022; 49:1993-2013. [PMID: 34426981 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation exposures at ultrahigh dose rates (UHDRs) at several orders of magnitude greater than in current clinical radiotherapy (RT) have been shown to manifest differential radiobiological responses compared to conventional (CONV) dose rates. This has led to studies investigating the application of UHDR for therapeutic advantage (FLASH-RT) that have gained significant interest since the initial discovery in 2014 that demonstrated reduced lung toxicity with equivalent levels of tumor control compared with conventional dose-rate RT. Many subsequent studies have demonstrated the potential protective role of FLASH-RT in normal tissues, yet the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of the FLASH effect remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we summarize the current evidence of the FLASH effect and review FLASH-RT studies performed in preclinical models of normal tissue response. To critically examine the underlying biological mechanisms of responses to UHDR radiation exposures, we evaluate in vitro studies performed with normal and tumor cells. Differential responses to UHDR versus CONV irradiation recurrently involve reduced inflammatory processes and differential expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes. In addition, frequently reduced levels of DNA damage or misrepair products are seen after UHDR irradiation. So far, it is not clear what signal elicits these differential responses, but there are indications for involvement of reactive species. Different susceptibility to FLASH effects observed between normal and tumor cells may result from altered metabolic and detoxification pathways and/or repair pathways used by tumor cells. We summarize the current theories that may explain the FLASH effect and highlight important research questions that are key to a better mechanistic understanding and, thus, the future implementation of FLASH-RT in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Friedl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Pierre Montay-Gruel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Vincent Favaudon
- Institut Curie, Inserm U 1021-CNRS UMR 3347, Université Paris-Saclay, PSL Research University, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
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Schüler E, Acharya M, Montay-Gruel P, Loo BW, Vozenin MC, Maxim PG. Ultra-high dose rate electron beams and the FLASH effect: From preclinical evidence to a new radiotherapy paradigm. Med Phys 2022; 49:2082-2095. [PMID: 34997969 PMCID: PMC9032195 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In their seminal paper from 2014, Fauvadon et al. coined the term FLASH irradiation to describe ultra-high-dose rate irradiation with dose rates greater than 40 Gy/s, which results in delivery times of fractions of a second. The experiments presented in that paper were performed with a high-dose-per-pulse 4.5 MeV electron beam, and the results served as the basis for the modern-day field of FLASH radiation therapy (RT). In this article, we review the studies that have been published after those early experiments, demonstrating the robust effects of FLASH RT on normal tissue sparing in preclinical models. We also outline the various irradiation parameters that have been used. Although the robustness of the biological response has been established, the mechanisms behind the FLASH effect are currently under investigation in a number of laboratories. However, differences in the magnitude of the FLASH effect between experiments in different labs have been reported. Reasons for these differences even within the same animal model are currently unknown, but likely has to do with the marked differences in irradiation parameter settings used. Here, we show that these parameters are often not reported, which complicates large multistudy comparisons. For this reason, we propose a new standard for beam parameter reporting and discuss a systematic path to the clinical translation of FLASH RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Schüler
- Department of Radiation Physics, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Munjal Acharya
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Pierre Montay-Gruel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Billy W. Loo
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter G. Maxim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Treatment of Radiation-Induced Brain Necrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2021:4793517. [PMID: 34976300 PMCID: PMC8720020 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4793517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced brain necrosis (RBN) is a serious complication of intracranial as well as skull base tumors after radiotherapy. In the past, due to the lack of effective treatment, radiation brain necrosis was considered to be progressive and irreversible. With better understanding in histopathology and neuroimaging, the occurrence and development of RBN have been gradually clarified, and new treatment methods are constantly emerging. In recent years, some scholars have tried to treat RBN with bevacizumab, nerve growth factor, and gangliosides and have achieved similar results. Some cases of brain necrosis can be repairable and reversible. We aimed to summarize the incidence, pathogenesis, and treatment of RBN.
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Allen BD, Limoli CL. Breaking barriers: Neurodegenerative repercussions of radiotherapy induced damage on the blood-brain and blood-tumor barrier. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 178:189-201. [PMID: 34875340 PMCID: PMC8925982 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to radiation during the treatment of CNS tumors leads to detrimental damage of the blood brain barrier (BBB) in normal tissue. Effects are characterized by leakage of the vasculature which exposes the brain to a host of neurotoxic agents potentially leading to white matter necrosis, parenchymal calcification, and an increased chance of stroke. Vasculature of the blood tumor barrier (BTB) is irregular leading to poorly perfused and hypoxic tissue throughout the tumor that becomes resistant to radiation. While current clinical applications of cranial radiotherapy use dose fractionation to reduce normal tissue damage, these treatments still cause significant alterations to the cells that make up the neurovascular unit of the BBB and BTB. Damage to the vasculature manifests as reduction in tight junction proteins, alterations to membrane transporters, impaired cell signaling, apoptosis, and cellular senescence. While radiotherapy treatments are detrimental to normal tissue, adapting combined strategies with radiation targeted to damage the BTB could aid in drug delivery. Understanding differences between the BBB and the BTB may provide valuable insight allowing clinicians to improve treatment outcomes. Leveraging this information should allow advances in the development of therapeutic modalities that will protect the normal tissue while simultaneously improving CNS tumor treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barrett D Allen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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Bertho A, Iturri L, Prezado Y. Radiation-induced immune response in novel radiotherapy approaches FLASH and spatially fractionated radiotherapies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 376:37-68. [PMID: 36997269 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The last several years have revealed increasing evidence of the immunomodulatory role of radiation therapy. Radiotherapy reshapes the tumoral microenvironment can shift the balance toward a more immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive microenvironment. The immune response to radiation therapy appears to depend on the irradiation configuration (dose, particle, fractionation) and delivery modes (dose rate, spatial distributions). Although an optimal irradiation configuration (dose, temporal fractionation, spatial dose distribution, etc.) has not yet been determined, temporal schemes employing high doses per fraction appear to favor radiation-induced immune response through immunogenic cell death. Through the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and the sensing of double-stranded DNA and RNA breaks, immunogenic cell death activates the innate and adaptive immune response, leading to tumor infiltration by effector T cells and the abscopal effect. Novel radiotherapy approaches such as FLASH and spatially fractionated radiotherapies (SFRT) strongly modulate the dose delivery method. FLASH-RT and SFRT have the potential to trigger the immune system effectively while preserving healthy surrounding tissues. This manuscript reviews the current state of knowledge on the immunomodulation effects of these two new radiotherapy techniques in the tumor, healthy immune cells and non-targeted regions, as well as their therapeutic potential in combination with immunotherapy.
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Wang X, Luo H, Zheng X, Ge H. FLASH radiotherapy: Research process from basic experimentation to clinical application. PRECISION RADIATION ONCOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pro6.1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Radiation Oncology Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Xiaoli Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Hong Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
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Kacem H, Almeida A, Cherbuin N, Vozenin MC. Understanding the FLASH effect to unravel the potential of ultra-high dose rate irradiation. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 98:506-516. [PMID: 34788193 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.2004328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A reemergence of research implementing radiation delivery at ultra-high dose rates (UHDRs) has triggered intense interest in the radiation sciences and has opened a new field of investigation in radiobiology. Much of the promise of UHDR irradiation involves the FLASH effect, an in vivo biological response observed to maintain anti-tumor efficacy without the normal tissue complications associated with standard dose rates. The FLASH effect has been validated primarily, using intermediate energy electron beams able to deliver high doses (>7 Gy) in a very short period of time (<200 ms), but has also been found with photon and proton beams. The clinical implications of this new area of research are highly significant, as FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) has the potential to enhance the therapeutic index, opening new possibilities for eradicating radio-resistant tumors without toxicity. As pioneers in this field, our group has developed a multidisciplinary research team focused on investigating the mechanisms and clinical translation of the FLASH effect. Here, we review the field of UHDR, from the physico-chemical to the biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Kacem
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Service, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aymeric Almeida
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Service, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Department of Medical Radiology, Institute of Radiation Physics, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Service, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Oesterle R, Gonçalves Jorge P, Grilj V, Bourhis J, Vozenin M, Germond J, Bochud F, Bailat C, Moeckli R. Implementation and validation of a beam-current transformer on a medical pulsed electron beam LINAC for FLASH-RT beam monitoring. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2021; 22:165-171. [PMID: 34609051 PMCID: PMC8598141 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To implement and validate a beam current transformer as a passive monitoring device on a pulsed electron beam medical linear accelerator (LINAC) for ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) irradiations in the operational range of at least 3 Gy to improve dosimetric procedures currently in use for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) studies. METHODS Two beam current transformers (BCTs) were placed at the exit of a medical LINAC capable of UHDR irradiations. The BCTs were validated as monitoring devices by verifying beam parameters consistency between nominal values and measured values, determining the relationship between the charge measured and the absorbed dose, and checking the short- and long-term stability of the charge-absorbed dose ratio. RESULTS The beam parameters measured by the BCTs coincide with the nominal values. The charge-dose relationship was found to be linear and independent of pulse width and frequency. Short- and long-term stabilities were measured to be within acceptable limits. CONCLUSIONS The BCTs were implemented and validated on a pulsed electron beam medical LINAC, thus improving current dosimetric procedures and allowing for a more complete analysis of beam characteristics. BCTs were shown to be a valid method for beam monitoring for UHDR (and therefore FLASH) experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Oesterle
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Patrik Gonçalves Jorge
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Veljko Grilj
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jean Bourhis
- Radiation Oncology DepartmentLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Marie‐Catherine Vozenin
- Radiation Oncology DepartmentLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jean‐François Germond
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - François Bochud
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Claude Bailat
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Raphaël Moeckli
- Institute of Radiation PhysicsLausanne University Hospital and Lausanne UniversityLausanneSwitzerland
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Ronga MG, Cavallone M, Patriarca A, Leite AM, Loap P, Favaudon V, Créhange G, De Marzi L. Back to the Future: Very High-Energy Electrons (VHEEs) and Their Potential Application in Radiation Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4942. [PMID: 34638424 PMCID: PMC8507836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of innovative approaches that would reduce the sensitivity of healthy tissues to irradiation while maintaining the efficacy of the treatment on the tumor is of crucial importance for the progress of the efficacy of radiotherapy. Recent methodological developments and innovations, such as scanned beams, ultra-high dose rates, and very high-energy electrons, which may be simultaneously available on new accelerators, would allow for possible radiobiological advantages of very short pulses of ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) therapy for radiation therapy to be considered. In particular, very high-energy electron (VHEE) radiotherapy, in the energy range of 100 to 250 MeV, first proposed in the 2000s, would be particularly interesting both from a ballistic and biological point of view for the establishment of this new type of irradiation technique. In this review, we examine and summarize the current knowledge on VHEE radiotherapy and provide a synthesis of the studies that have been published on various experimental and simulation works. We will also consider the potential for VHEE therapy to be translated into clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Ronga
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- Thales AVS Microwave & Imaging Sub-Systems, 78141 Vélizy-Villacoublay, France
| | - Marco Cavallone
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Annalisa Patriarca
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Amelia Maia Leite
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- INSERM LITO U1288, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France
| | - Pierre Loap
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincent Favaudon
- INSERM U 1021-CNRS UMR 3347, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France;
| | - Gilles Créhange
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
| | - Ludovic De Marzi
- Centre de Protonthérapie d’Orsay, Department of Radiation Oncology, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 91898 Orsay, France; (M.G.R.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (A.M.L.); (P.L.); (G.C.)
- INSERM LITO U1288, Campus Universitaire, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, University Paris Saclay, 91898 Orsay, France
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Can Rational Combination of Ultra-high Dose Rate FLASH Radiotherapy with Immunotherapy Provide a Novel Approach to Cancer Treatment? Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 33:713-722. [PMID: 34551871 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) delivers radiation treatment at an ultra-high dose rate that is several orders of magnitude higher than current clinical practice. In multiple preclinical studies, FLASH-RT has shown consistent normal tissue sparing effects while preserving equivalent antitumour activity in comparison with conventional dose rate radiation treatment. This is known as the 'FLASH effect'. Given the recent research interest in combining hypofractionated radiotherapy with immunotherapy to try to improve clinical outcomes, there is an intriguing clinical question as to whether FLASH irradiation may be a rational partner to combine with immune modulating drugs? To better predict the synergistic effect of both modalities, here we review the biological mechanisms of how FLASH differentially impacts the immune landscape, including circulating immune cells, tumour microenvironment and the inflammatory response. In order to make recommendations for future research, we summarise all published studies that investigated the immune modulatory effects of FLASH-RT and further explore the scientific reasons for combining FLASH with immunotherapy for potential clinical applications.
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McGee HM, Marciscano AE, Campbell AM, Monjazeb AM, Kaech SM, Teijaro JR. Parallels Between the Antiviral State and the Irradiated State. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021; 113:969-979. [PMID: 33252657 PMCID: PMC8502484 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of host antiviral defense and antitumor immunity have elucidated molecular pathways important to both processes. During viral infection, RNA or DNA in the host cell serves as a danger signal that initiates the antiviral response. Recent studies have elucidated similarities in the signaling pathways activated by viruses and the signaling pathways induced by tumor DNA that is released into the cytoplasm of irradiated tumor cells. Both the host defense to viral infection and the sterile inflammation provoked by radiotherapy induce a type I interferon response that is necessary for pathogen control and immune-mediated tumor control, respectively. These findings have led to the hypothesis that radiotherapy employs a form of viral mimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M McGee
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ariel E Marciscano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison M Campbell
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Kaech
- NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Korimerla N, Wahl DR. A Complementary Strategy to Mitigate Radiation-Induced Cognitive Decline. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1635-1636. [PMID: 34003789 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-4277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cranial radiation activates an upstream complement cascade component, C1q, leading to brain injury. Microglia-specific deletion of C1q prevents astrocyte and microglial activation, synaptic loss, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. Therapeutically inhibiting complement activation may help mitigate radiation-induced cognitive decline.See related article by Markarian et al., p. 1732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navyateja Korimerla
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Daniel R Wahl
- The Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Vellayappan BA, McGranahan T, Graber J, Taylor L, Venur V, Ellenbogen R, Sloan AE, Redmond KJ, Foote M, Chao ST, Suh JH, Chang EL, Sahgal A, Lo SS. Radiation Necrosis from Stereotactic Radiosurgery-How Do We Mitigate? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:57. [PMID: 34097171 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00854-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective and convenient treatment for many brain conditions. Data regarding safety come mostly from retrospective single institutional studies and a small number of prospective studies. Variations in target delineation, treatment delivery, imaging follow-up protocols and dose prescription limit the interpretation of this data. There has been much clinical focus on radiation necrosis (RN) in particular, as it is being increasingly recognized on follow-up imaging. Symptomatic RN may be treated with medical therapy (such as corticosteroids and bevacizumab) with surgical resection being reserved for refractory patients. Nevertheless, RN remains a challenging condition to manage, and therefore upfront patient selection for SRS remains critical to provide complication-free control. Mitigation strategies need to be considered in situations where the baseline risk of RN is expected to be high-such as large target volume or re-irradiation. These may involve reduction in the prescribed dose or hypofractionated stereotactic radiation therapy (HSRT). Recently published guidelines and international meta-analysis report the benefit of HSRT in larger lesions, without compromising control rates. However, careful attention to planning parameters and SRS techniques still need to be adhered, even with HSRT. In cases where the risk is deemed to be high despite mitigation, a combination approach of surgery with or without post-operative radiation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balamurugan A Vellayappan
- Department of Radiation oncology, National University Cancer Institute, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Level 7 Tower block, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
| | - Tresa McGranahan
- Department of Neurology, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jerome Graber
- Department of Neurology, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lynne Taylor
- Department of Neurology, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vyshak Venur
- Department of Neurology, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard Ellenbogen
- Department of Neurology, Alvord Brain Tumor Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew E Sloan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Seidman Cancer Center and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristin J Redmond
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Foote
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Samuel T Chao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-oncology Center, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John H Suh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-oncology Center, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eric L Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arjun Sahgal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simon S Lo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Montay-Gruel P, Acharya MM, Gonçalves Jorge P, Petit B, Petridis IG, Fuchs P, Leavitt R, Petersson K, Gondré M, Ollivier J, Moeckli R, Bochud F, Bailat C, Bourhis J, Germond JF, Limoli CL, Vozenin MC. Hypofractionated FLASH-RT as an Effective Treatment against Glioblastoma that Reduces Neurocognitive Side Effects in Mice. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:775-784. [PMID: 33060122 PMCID: PMC7854480 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent data have shown that single-fraction irradiation delivered to the whole brain in less than tenths of a second using FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT), does not elicit neurocognitive deficits in mice. This observation has important clinical implications for the management of invasive and treatment-resistant brain tumors that involves relatively large irradiation volumes with high cytotoxic doses. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Therefore, we aimed at simultaneously investigating the antitumor efficacy and neuroprotective benefits of FLASH-RT 1-month after exposure, using a well-characterized murine orthotopic glioblastoma model. As fractionated regimens of radiotherapy are the standard of care for glioblastoma treatment, we incorporated dose fractionation to simultaneously validate the neuroprotective effects and optimized tumor treatments with FLASH-RT. RESULTS The capability of FLASH-RT to minimize the induction of radiation-induced brain toxicities has been attributed to the reduction of reactive oxygen species, casting some concern that this might translate to a possible loss of antitumor efficacy. Our study shows that FLASH and CONV-RT are isoefficient in delaying glioblastoma growth for all tested regimens. Furthermore, only FLASH-RT was found to significantly spare radiation-induced cognitive deficits in learning and memory in tumor-bearing animals after the delivery of large neurotoxic single dose or hypofractionated regimens. CONCLUSIONS The present results show that FLASH-RT delivered with hypofractionated regimens is able to spare the normal brain from radiation-induced toxicities without compromising tumor cure. This exciting capability provides an initial framework for future clinical applications of FLASH-RT.See related commentary by Huang and Mendonca, p. 662.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Montay-Gruel
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Munjal M Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Patrik Gonçalves Jorge
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Benoît Petit
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis G Petridis
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Fuchs
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ron Leavitt
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kristoffer Petersson
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Maude Gondré
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan Ollivier
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Moeckli
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - François Bochud
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Claude Bailat
- Institute of Radiation Physics/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Jean Bourhis
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Charles L Limoli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology/DO/Radio-Oncology/CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Markarian M, Krattli RP, Baddour JD, Alikhani L, Giedzinski E, Usmani MT, Agrawal A, Baulch JE, Tenner AJ, Acharya MM. Glia-Selective Deletion of Complement C1q Prevents Radiation-Induced Cognitive Deficits and Neuroinflammation. Cancer Res 2020; 81:1732-1744. [PMID: 33323383 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The adverse neurocognitive sequelae following clinical radiotherapy (RT) for central nervous system (CNS) malignancies are often long-lasting without any clinical recourse. Despite recent progress, the cellular mechanisms mediating RT-induced cognitive deficits (RICD) are poorly understood. The complement system is an immediate sensor of a disturbed inflammatory environment and a potent mediator of gliosis with a range of nonimmune functions in the CNS, including synaptic pruning, which is detrimental if dysregulated. We hypothesize that complement-mediated changes in glial cell function significantly contribute to RICD. The underlying alterations in CNS complement cascade proteins (C1q, C3), TLR4, and colabeling with glia (IBA1, GFAP) were examined using gene expression, immunofluorescence, and in silico modeling approaches in the adult mouse brain following 9 Gy cranial RT. Three-dimensional volumetric quantification showed elevated molecular signatures of gliosis at short- and long-term post-RT times. We found significant elevations in complement C1q, C3, and TLR4 post-RT accompanied by increased colabeling of astrocytes and microglia. To address the mechanism of RT-induced complement cascade activation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive dysfunction, we used a genetic approach-conditional, microglia-selective C1q (Flox) knockdown mice-to determine whether a glia-specific, upstream complement cascade contributes to RICD. C1q-Flox mice exposed to cranial RT showed no cognitive deficits compared with irradiated WT mice. Further, irradiated C1q-Flox mice were protected from RT-induced microglial activation and synaptic loss, elevation of anaphylatoxin C5a receptor, astrocytic-C3, and microglial-TLR4 expression in the brain. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a microglia-specific mechanism of RICD involving an upstream complement cascade component, C1q. SIGNIFICANCE: Clinically-relevant radiotherapy induces aberrant complement activation, leading to brain injury. Microglia-selective genetic deletion of CNS complement C1q ameliorates radiation-induced cognitive impairments, synaptic loss, and neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential for C1q as a novel therapeutic target.See related commentary by Korimerla and Wahl, p. 1635.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mineh Markarian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Robert P Krattli
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jabra D Baddour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Leila Alikhani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Erich Giedzinski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Manal T Usmani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Anshu Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Janet E Baulch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Andrea J Tenner
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Munjal M Acharya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California.
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