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Dunne VL, Wright TC, Liberal FDCG, O’Sullivan JM, Prise KM. Synergistic Activity of DNA Damage Response Inhibitors in Combination with Radium-223 in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1510. [PMID: 38672592 PMCID: PMC11048209 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Radium-223 (223Ra) and Lutetium-177-labelled-PSMA-617 (177Lu-PSMA) are currently the only radiopharmaceutical treatments to prolong survival for patients with metastatic-castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC); however, mCRPC remains an aggressive disease. Recent clinical evidence suggests patients with mutations in DNA repair genes associated with homologous recombination have a greater clinical benefit from 223Ra. In this study, we aimed to determine the utility of combining DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors to increase the therapeutic efficacy of X-rays, or 223Ra. Radiobiological responses were characterised by in vitro assessment of clonogenic survival, repair of double strand breaks, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis via PARP-1 cleavage. Here, we show that DDR inhibitors increase the therapeutic efficacy of both radiation qualities examined, which is associated with greater levels of residual DNA damage. Co-treatment of ATM or PARP inhibition with 223Ra increased cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. In comparison, combined ATR inhibition and radiation qualities caused G2/M checkpoint abrogation. Additionally, greater levels of apoptosis were observed after the combination of DDR inhibitors with 223Ra. This study identified the ATR inhibitor as the most synergistic inhibitor for both radiation qualities, supporting further pre-clinical evaluation of DDR inhibitors in combination with 223Ra for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Dunne
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (T.C.W.); (F.D.C.G.L.); (J.M.O.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Timothy C. Wright
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (T.C.W.); (F.D.C.G.L.); (J.M.O.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Francisco D. C. Guerra Liberal
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (T.C.W.); (F.D.C.G.L.); (J.M.O.); (K.M.P.)
| | - Joe M. O’Sullivan
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (T.C.W.); (F.D.C.G.L.); (J.M.O.); (K.M.P.)
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
| | - Kevin M. Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK; (T.C.W.); (F.D.C.G.L.); (J.M.O.); (K.M.P.)
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2
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Giacometti V, Grey AC, McCann AJ, Prise KM, Hounsell AR, McGarry CK, Turner PG, O’Sullivan JM. An objective measure of response on whole-body MRI in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy, external beam radiotherapy, and radium-223. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:794-802. [PMID: 38268482 PMCID: PMC11027342 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to generate an objective method to describe MRI data to assess response in the vertebrae of patients with metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), treated with external beam radiation therapy and systemic therapy with Radium-223 and to correlate changes with clinical outcomes. METHODS Three sets of whole-body MRI (WBMRI) images were utilized from 25 patients from the neo-adjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy pelvic Radiotherapy and RADium-223 (ADRRAD) clinical trial: MRI1 (up to 28 days before Radium-223), MRI2, and MRI3 (2 and 6 months post completion of Radium-223). Radiological response was assessed based on post baseline MRI images. Vertebrae were semi-automatically contoured in the sagittal T1-weighted (T1w) acquisitions, MRI intensity was measured, and spinal cord was used to normalize the measurements. The relationship between MRI intensity vs time to biochemical progression and radiology response was investigated. Survival curves were generated and splitting measures for survival and biochemical progression investigated. RESULTS Using a splitting measure of 1.8, MRI1 was found to be a reliable quantitative indicator correlating with overall survival (P = 0.023) and biochemical progression (P = 0.014). MRI (3-1) and MRI (3-2) were found to be significant indicators for patients characterized by progressive/non-progressive disease (P = 0.021, P = 0.004) and biochemical progression within/after 12 months (P = 0.007, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We have identified a potentially useful objective measure of response on WBMRI of vertebrae containing bone metastases in mHSPC which correlates with survival/progression (prognostic) and radiology response (predictive). ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE Measurements of T1w WBMRI normalized intensity may allow identifying potentially useful response biomarkers correlating with survival, radiological response and biochemical progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giacometti
- Advanced Radiotherapy Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Belfast, BT97 1NN, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur C Grey
- Department of Imaging Services, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron J McCann
- Department of Radiological Imaging & Protection Service, Regional Medical Physics Service, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Advanced Radiotherapy Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Belfast, BT97 1NN, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R Hounsell
- Advanced Radiotherapy Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Belfast, BT97 1NN, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Advanced Radiotherapy Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Belfast, BT97 1NN, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
| | - Philip G Turner
- St Luke’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Hospital, Egerton Rd, Guildford GU2 7XX, United Kingdom
| | - Joe M O’Sullivan
- Advanced Radiotherapy Group, Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Belfast, BT97 1NN, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom
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McAnespie CA, Chaudhary P, Calvin L, Streeter MJV, Nersysian G, McMahon SJ, Prise KM, Sarri G. Response of Cancer Stem Cells and Human Skin Fibroblasts to Picosecond-Scale Electron Irradiation at 10 10 to 10 11 Gy/s. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:1105-1109. [PMID: 37956734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to demonstrate for the first time the possibility of irradiating biological cells with gray (Gy)-scale doses delivered over single bursts of picosecond-scale electron beams, resulting in unprecedented dose rates of 1010 to 1011 Gy/s. METHODS AND MATERIALS Cancer stem cells and human skin fibroblasts were irradiated with MeV-scale electron beams from a laser-driven source. Doses up to 3 Gy per pulse with a high spatial uniformity (coefficient of variance, 3%-6%) and within a timescale range of 10 to 20 picoseconds were delivered. Doses were characterized during irradiation and were found to be in agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. Cell survival and DNA double-strand break repair dynamics were studied for both cell lines using clonogenic assay and 53BP1 foci formation. The results were compared with reference x-rays at a dose rate of 0.49 Gy/min. RESULTS Results from clonogenic assays of both cell lines up to 3 Gy were well fitted by a linear quadratic model with α = (0.68 ± 0.08) Gy-1 and β = (0.01 ± 0.01) Gy-2 for human skin fibroblasts and α = (0.51 ± 0.14) Gy-1 and β = (0.01 ± 0.01) Gy-2 for cancer stem cells. Compared with irradiation at 0.49 Gy/min, our experimental results indicate no statistically significant difference in cell survival rate for doses up to 3 Gy despite a significant increase in the α parameter, which may reflect more complex damage. Foci measurements showed no significant difference between irradiation at 1011 Gy/s and at 0.49 Gy/min. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the possibility of performing radiobiological studies with picosecond-scale laser-generated electron beams at ultrahigh dose rates of 1010 to1011 Gy/s. Preliminary results indicate, within statistical uncertainties, a significant increase of the α parameter, a possible indication of more complex damage induced by a higher density of ionizing tracks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor A McAnespie
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics
| | - Pankaj Chaudhary
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Calvin
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics
| | | | - Gagik Nersysian
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Gianluca Sarri
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics.
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Giacometti V, McLaughlin O, Comiskey P, Marshall H, Houlihan OA, Whitten G, Prise KM, Hounsell AR, Jain S, McGarry CK. Validation of a Quality Metric Score to Assess the Placement of Hydrogel Rectal Spacer in Patients Treated With Prostate Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. Adv Radiat Oncol 2024; 9:101396. [PMID: 38304109 PMCID: PMC10831189 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the quality of the interspace between the prostate and rectum and assess the effect on the dose to the rectum by measuring the spacer quality score (SQS) before and after implanting a hydrogel rectal spacer. Methods and Materials Thirty patients with prostate cancer were treated with stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy as part of the SPORT clinical trial. Each patient had a 10 mL polyethylene glycol hydrogel spacer inserted transperineally. Computed tomography scans were acquired before and after spacer insertion, 10MV flattening filter free (FFF) stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SABR) treatment plans were generated using each image set. To calculate the SQS, the prostate-rectal interspace (PRI) was measured in the anterior-posterior orientation, parallel to the anatomic midline at the prostate base, apex, and midgland on the prespacer and postspacer computed tomography. Measurements were taken in 3 transverse positions between the prostate and the rectum, and PRI scores of 0, 1, and 2 were assigned if the interspace between prostate and rectum was <0.3, 0.3 to 0.9, or ≥1 cm, respectively. The overall SQS was the lowest of the PRI scores. Differences between prespacer and postspacer PRIs and SQS were investigated by performing Fisher's exact test and differences between doses to the rectum were investigated by performing the paired samples Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Student t test. Results Statistically significant differences between prespacer versus postspacer patients were found when grouping patients according to their overall SQS. The PRI summary score did not reach statistical significance between prespacer and postspacer at the base but was significantly higher for the prostate midline and apex. Statistically significant differences in some rectum dose-volume metrics were found when grouping patients according to their PRIs and SQS. Conclusions SQS before and after the spacer insertion was evaluated and was found to be correlated with pre- and postspacer rectal dosimetry. Sources of improvement of the SQS scoring metric and limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giacometti
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Owen McLaughlin
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Comiskey
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Marshall
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Orla A. Houlihan
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn Whitten
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M. Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R. Hounsell
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Suneil Jain
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Conor K. McGarry
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
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5
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Redmond KM, Turner PG, Cole A, Jain S, Prise KM, O'Sullivan JM. A potential biomarker of radiosensitivity in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer patients treated with combination external beam radiotherapy and radium-223. Radiother Oncol 2024; 191:110063. [PMID: 38135185 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.110063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The ADRRAD trial reported the safety and feasibility of the combination of external beam radiotherapy and radium-223 in the treatment of de novo bone metastatic prostate. This study aimed to determine if any biomarkers predictive of response to these treatments could be identified. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 30 patients with newly diagnosed bone metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer were recruited to the ADRRAD trial. Blood samples were taken pre-treatment, before cycles 2 to 6 of radium-223, and 8 weeks and 6 months after treatment. Mononuclear cells were isolated and DNA damage was assessed at all timepoints. RESULTS DNA damage was increased in all patients during treatment, with bigger increases in foci observed in patients who relapsed late compared to those who relapsed early. Increases in DNA damage during the radium-223 only cycles of treatment were specifically related to response in these patients. Analysis of hematology counts also showed bigger decreases in red blood cell and hemoglobin counts in patients who experienced later biochemical relapse. CONCLUSIONS While some patients responded to this combination treatment, others relapsed within one year of treatment initiation. This study identifies a biomarker based approach that may be useful in predicting which patients will respond to treatment, by monitoring both increases in DNA damage above baseline levels in circulating lymphocytes and decreases in red blood cell and hemoglobin counts during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Redmond
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.
| | - P G Turner
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - A Cole
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - S Jain
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - K M Prise
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - J M O'Sullivan
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Seino R, Uno H, Prise KM, Fukunaga H. Cell cycle dependence of cell survival following exposure to X-rays in synchronous HeLa cells expressing fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicators. Biomed Res 2024; 45:25-31. [PMID: 38325843 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.45.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The cell cycle dependence of radiosensitivity has yet to be fully determined, as it is technically difficult to achieve a high degree of cell cycle synchronization in cultured cell systems and accurately detect the cell cycle phase of individual cells simultaneously. We used human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells expressing fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicators (FUCCI), and employed the mitotic harvesting method that is one of the cell cycle synchronization methods. The imaging analysis confirmed that the cell cycle is highly synchronized after mitotic cell harvesting until 18-20 h of the doubling time has elapsed. Also, flow cytometry analysis revealed that the S and G2 phases peak at approximately 12 and 14-16 h, respectively, after mitotic harvesting. In addition, the clonogenic assay showed the changes in surviving fractions following exposure to X-rays according to the progress through the cell cycle. These results indicate that HeLa-FUCCI cells become radioresistant in the G1 phase, become radiosensitive in the early S phase, rapidly become radioresistant in the late S phase, and become radiosensitive again in the G2 phase. Our findings may contribute to the further development of combinations of radiation and cell cycle-specific anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Seino
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University
| | - Hiroto Uno
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast
| | - Hisanori Fukunaga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University
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Warmenhoven JW, Henthorn NT, McNamara AL, Ingram SP, Merchant MJ, Kirkby KJ, Schuemann J, Paganetti H, Prise KM, McMahon SJ. Effects of Differing Underlying Assumptions in In Silico Models on Predictions of DNA Damage and Repair. Radiat Res 2023; 200:509-522. [PMID: 38014593 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00147.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The induction and repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are critical factors in the treatment of cancer by radiotherapy. To investigate the relationship between incident radiation and cell death through DSB induction many in silico models have been developed. These models produce and use custom formats of data, specific to the investigative aims of the researchers, and often focus on particular pairings of damage and repair models. In this work we use a standard format for reporting DNA damage to evaluate combinations of different, independently developed, models. We demonstrate the capacity of such inter-comparison to determine the sensitivity of models to both known and implicit assumptions. Specifically, we report on the impact of differences in assumptions regarding patterns of DNA damage induction on predicted initial DSB yield, and the subsequent effects this has on derived DNA repair models. The observed differences highlight the importance of considering initial DNA damage on the scale of nanometres rather than micrometres. We show that the differences in DNA damage models result in subsequent repair models assuming significantly different rates of random DSB end diffusion to compensate. This in turn leads to disagreement on the mechanisms responsible for different biological endpoints, particularly when different damage and repair models are combined, demonstrating the importance of inter-model comparisons to explore underlying model assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Warmenhoven
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas T Henthorn
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Aimee L McNamara
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
| | - Samuel P Ingram
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Merchant
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen J Kirkby
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Schuemann
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
| | - Harald Paganetti
- Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Houlihan OA, Redmond K, Fairmichael C, Lyons CA, McGarry CK, Mitchell D, Cole A, O'Connor J, McMahon S, Irvine D, Hyland W, Hanna M, Prise KM, Hounsell AR, O'Sullivan JM, Jain S. A Randomized Feasibility Trial of Stereotactic Prostate Radiation Therapy With or Without Elective Nodal Irradiation in High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer (SPORT Trial). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:594-609. [PMID: 36893820 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of a randomized clinical trial comparing SABR with prostate-only (P-SABR) or with prostate plus pelvic lymph nodes (PPN-SABR) in patients with unfavorable intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer and to explore potential toxicity biomarkers. METHODS AND MATERIALS Thirty adult men with at least 1 of the following features were randomized 1:1 to P-SABR or PPN-SABR: clinical magnetic resonance imaging stage T3a N0 M0, Gleason score ≥7 (4+3), and prostate-specific antigen >20 ng/mL. P-SABR patients received 36.25 Gy/5 fractions/29 days, and PPN-SABR patients received 25 Gy/5 fractions to pelvic nodes, with the final cohort receiving a boost to the dominant intraprostatic lesion of 45 to 50 Gy. Phosphorylated gamma-H2AX (γH2AX) foci numbers, citrulline levels, and circulating lymphocyte counts were quantified. Acute toxicity information (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03) was collected weekly at each treatment and at 6 weeks and 3 months. Physician-reported late Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity was recorded from 90 days to 36 months postcompletion of SABR. Patient-reported quality of life (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and International Prostate Symptom Score) scores were recorded with each toxicity time point. RESULTS The target recruitment was achieved, and treatment was successfully delivered in all patients. A total of 0% and 6.7% (P-SABR) and 6.7% and 20.0% (PPN-SABR) experienced acute grade ≥2 gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity, respectively. At 3 years, 6.7% and 6.7% (P-SABR) and 13.3% and 33.3% (PPN-SABR) had experienced late grade ≥2 GI and GU toxicity, respectively. One patient (PPN-SABR) had late grade 3 GU toxicity (cystitis and hematuria). No other grade ≥3 toxicity was observed. In addition, 33.3% and 60% (P-SABR) and 64.3% and 92.9% (PPN-SABR) experienced a minimally clinically important change in late Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite bowel and urinary summary scores, respectively. γH2AX foci numbers at 1 hour after the first fraction were significantly higher in the PPN-SABR arm compared with the P-SABR arm (P = .04). Patients with late grade ≥1 GI toxicity had significantly greater falls in circulating lymphocytes (12 weeks post-radiation therapy, P = .01) and a trend toward higher γH2AX foci numbers (P = .09) than patients with no late toxicity. Patients with late grade ≥1 bowel toxicity and late diarrhea experienced greater falls in citrulline levels (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS A randomized trial comparing P-SABR with PPN-SABR is feasible with acceptable toxicity. Correlations of γH2AX foci, lymphocyte counts, and citrulline levels with irradiated volume and toxicity suggest potential as predictive biomarkers. This study has informed a multicenter, randomized, phase 3 clinical trial in the United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla A Houlihan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland; Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
| | - Kelly Redmond
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Ciaran Fairmichael
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland; Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Ciara A Lyons
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland; Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Department of Radiotherapy Medical Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Darren Mitchell
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Aidan Cole
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - John O'Connor
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Stephen McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Denise Irvine
- Department of Radiotherapy Medical Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Wendy Hyland
- Department of Radiotherapy Medical Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Michael Hanna
- Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Alan R Hounsell
- Department of Radiotherapy Medical Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Joe M O'Sullivan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Suneil Jain
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland; Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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9
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Henthorn NT, Gardner LL, Aitkenhead AH, Rowland BC, Shin J, Smith EAK, Merchant MJ, Mackay RI, Kirkby KJ, Chaudhary P, Prise KM, McMahon SJ, Underwood TSA. Proposing a Clinical Model for RBE Based on Proton Track-End Counts. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:916-926. [PMID: 36642109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In proton therapy, the clinical application of linear energy transfer (LET) optimization remains contentious, in part because of challenges associated with the definition and calculation of LET and its exact relationship with relative biological effectiveness (RBE) because of large variation in experimental in vitro data. This has raised interest in other metrics with favorable properties for biological optimization, such as the number of proton track ends in a voxel. In this work, we propose a novel model for clinical calculations of RBE, based on proton track end counts. METHODS AND MATERIALS We developed an effective dose concept to translate between the total proton track-end count per unit mass in a voxel and a proton RBE value. Dose, track end, and dose-averaged LET (LETd) distributions were simulated using Monte Carlo models for a series of water phantoms, in vitro radiobiological studies, and patient treatment plans. We evaluated the correlation between track ends and regions of elevated biological effectiveness in comparison to LETd-based models of RBE. RESULTS Track ends were found to correlate with biological effects in in vitro experiments with an accuracy comparable to LETd. In patient simulations, our track end model identified the same biological hotspots as predicted by LETd-based radiobiological models of proton RBE. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that, for clinical optimization and evaluation, an RBE model based on proton track end counts may match LETd-based models in terms of information provided while also offering superior statistical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Henthorn
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Lydia L Gardner
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Adam H Aitkenhead
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin C Rowland
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jungwook Shin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edward A K Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Merchant
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ranald I Mackay
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Karen J Kirkby
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pankaj Chaudhary
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy S A Underwood
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Leo Cancer Care Ltd, Unit 1 Woodbridge House, Chapel Rd, Smallfield, Horley RH6 9NW, United Kingdom
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10
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Guerra Liberal FDC, Thompson SJ, Prise KM, McMahon SJ. High-LET radiation induces large amounts of rapidly-repaired sublethal damage. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11198. [PMID: 37433844 PMCID: PMC10336062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38295-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is agreement that high-LET radiation has a high Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) when delivered as a single treatment, but how it interacts with radiations of different qualities, such as X-rays, is less clear. We sought to clarify these effects by quantifying and modelling responses to X-ray and alpha particle combinations. Cells were exposed to X-rays, alpha particles, or combinations, with different doses and temporal separations. DNA damage was assessed by 53BP1 immunofluorescence, and radiosensitivity assessed using the clonogenic assay. Mechanistic models were then applied to understand trends in repair and survival. 53BP1 foci yields were significantly reduced in alpha particle exposures compared to X-rays, but these foci were slow to repair. Although alpha particles alone showed no inter-track interactions, substantial interactions were seen between X-rays and alpha particles. Mechanistic modelling suggested that sublethal damage (SLD) repair was independent of radiation quality, but that alpha particles generated substantially more sublethal damage than a similar dose of X-rays, [Formula: see text]. This high RBE may lead to unexpected synergies for combinations of different radiation qualities which must be taken into account in treatment design, and the rapid repair of this damage may impact on mechanistic modelling of radiation responses to high LETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco D C Guerra Liberal
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Shannon J Thompson
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK.
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11
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Kerr BN, Duffy D, McInerney CE, Hutchinson A, Dabaja I, Bazzi R, Roux S, Prise KM, Butterworth KT. Evaluation of Radiosensitization and Cytokine Modulation by Differentially PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles in Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10032. [PMID: 37373179 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known as the most aggressive type of malignant brain tumour, with an extremely poor prognosis of approximately 12 months following standard-of-care treatment with surgical resection, radiotherapy (RT), and temozolomide treatment. Novel RT-drug combinations are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have demonstrated significant preclinical potential as radiosensitizers due to their unique physicochemical properties and their ability to pass the blood-brain barrier. The modification of GNP surface coatings with poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) confers several therapeutic advantages including immune avoidance and improved cellular localisation. This study aimed to characterise both the radiosensitizing and immunomodulatory properties of differentially PEGylated GNPs in GBM cells in vitro. Two GBM cell lines were used, U-87 MG and U-251 MG. The radiobiological response was evaluated by clonogenic assay, immunofluorescent staining of 53BP1 foci, and flow cytometry. Changes in the cytokine expression levels were quantified by cytokine arrays. PEGylation improved the radiobiological efficacy, with double-strand break induction being identified as an underlying mechanism. PEGylated GNPs also caused the greatest boost in RT immunogenicity, with radiosensitization correlating with a greater upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. These findings demonstrate the radiosensitizing and immunostimulatory potential of ID11 and ID12 as candidates for RT-drug combination in future GBM preclinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bríanna N Kerr
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Daniel Duffy
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Caitríona E McInerney
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Ashton Hutchinson
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Inaya Dabaja
- Institute Utinam, UMR 6213 CNRS-UFC, University of Franche, 25000 Comté, France
| | - Rana Bazzi
- Institute Utinam, UMR 6213 CNRS-UFC, University of Franche, 25000 Comté, France
| | - Stéphane Roux
- Institute Utinam, UMR 6213 CNRS-UFC, University of Franche, 25000 Comté, France
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, UK
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12
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Roddy AC, McInerney CE, Flannery T, Healy EG, Stewart JP, Spence VJ, Walsh J, Salto-Tellez M, McArt DG, Prise KM. Transcriptional Profiling of a Patient-Matched Cohort of Glioblastoma (IDH-Wildtype) for Therapeutic Target and Repurposing Drug Identification. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041219. [PMID: 37189838 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive adult brain tumor. Despite multi-modal therapies, GBM recurs, and patients have poor survival (~14 months). Resistance to therapy may originate from a subpopulation of tumor cells identified as glioma-stem cells (GSC), and new treatments are urgently needed to target these. The biology underpinning GBM recurrence was investigated using whole transcriptome profiling of patient-matched initial and recurrent GBM (recGBM). Differential expression analysis identified 147 significant probes. In total, 24 genes were validated using expression data from four public cohorts and the literature. Functional analyses revealed that transcriptional changes to recGBM were dominated by angiogenesis and immune-related processes. The role of MHC class II proteins in antigen presentation and the differentiation, proliferation, and infiltration of immune cells was enriched. These results suggest recGBM would benefit from immunotherapies. The altered gene signature was further analyzed in a connectivity mapping analysis with QUADrATiC software to identify FDA-approved repurposing drugs. Top-ranking target compounds that may be effective against GSC and GBM recurrence were rosiglitazone, nizatidine, pantoprazole, and tolmetin. Our translational bioinformatics pipeline provides an approach to identify target compounds for repurposing that may add clinical benefit in addition to standard therapies against resistant cancers such as GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aideen C Roddy
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Caitríona E McInerney
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Tom Flannery
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - Estelle G Healy
- Regional Service for Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
| | - James P Stewart
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Veronica J Spence
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Jamie Walsh
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Manuel Salto-Tellez
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Integrated Pathology Unit, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Darragh G McArt
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
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13
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Brown KH, Payan N, Osman S, Ghita M, Walls GM, Patallo IS, Schettino G, Prise KM, McGarry CK, Butterworth KT. Development and optimisation of a preclinical cone beam computed tomography-based radiomics workflow for radiation oncology research. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023; 26:100446. [PMID: 37252250 PMCID: PMC10213103 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2023.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Radiomics features derived from medical images have the potential to act as imaging biomarkers to improve diagnosis and predict treatment response in oncology. However, the complex relationships between radiomics features and the biological characteristics of tumours are yet to be fully determined. In this study, we developed a preclinical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiomics workflow with the aim to use in vivo models to further develop radiomics signatures. Materials and methods CBCT scans of a mouse phantom were acquired using onboard imaging from a small animal radiotherapy research platform (SARRP, Xstrahl). The repeatability and reproducibility of radiomics outputs were compared across different imaging protocols, segmentation sizes, pre-processing parameters and materials. Robust features were identified and used to compare scans of two xenograft mouse tumour models (A549 and H460). Results Changes to the radiomics workflow significantly impact feature robustness. Preclinical CBCT radiomics analysis is feasible with 119 stable features identified from scans imaged at 60 kV, 25 bin width and 0.26 mm slice thickness. Large variation in segmentation volumes reduced the number of reliable radiomics features for analysis. Standardization in imaging and analysis parameters is essential in preclinical radiomics analysis to improve accuracy of outputs, leading to more consistent and reproducible findings. Conclusions We present the first optimised workflow for preclinical CBCT radiomics to identify imaging biomarkers. Preclinical radiomics has the potential to maximise the quantity of data captured in in vivo experiments and could provide key information supporting the wider application of radiomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H. Brown
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Neree Payan
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sarah Osman
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Department of Radiotherapy, London, UK
| | - Mihaela Ghita
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Gerard M. Walls
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Cancer Centre, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AB, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | | | - Kevin M. Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Conor K. McGarry
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- Cancer Centre, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AB, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Karl T. Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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14
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Matsuya Y, McMahon SJ, Butterworth KT, Yachi Y, Saga R, Sato T, Prise KM. Modelling oxygen effects on the in- and out-of-field radiosensitivity of cells exposed to intensity-modulated radiation fields. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68. [PMID: 36958050 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acc720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The delivery of intensity-modulated radiation fields has improved the conformity of dose to tumour targets during radiotherapy (RT). Previously, it has been shown that intercellular communication between cells positioned in- and outside of the radiation field impacts cellular radiosensitivity under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. However, the mechanism of intercellular communication in hypoxia remains to be fully understood. In this study, the cell-killing effects of intercellular communication in hypoxia were modelled in an effort to better understand the underlying mechanisms of response. 
Approach: By irradiating a 50% area of the culture dish (half-field exposure), experimental dose-response curves for cell survival and residual DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were generated in prostate (DU145) and non-small cell lung cancer (H1299) cells. The oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) was determined from early DSB yields (corresponding to relative direct damage) and used to model the in- and out-of-field radiosensitivity. 
Main results: The developed integrated microdosimetric-kinetic (IMK) model successfully predicted the experimental dose responses for survival and lethal lesions, and provides a mechanistic interpretation that the probability of hits for releasing cell-killing signals is dependent on oxygen. This experimental and modelling study also suggests that residual DSBs correspond to logarithmic survival fraction (meaning lethal lesions) for in- and out-of-field cells. Our data suggest that the OER value determined using uniform-field exposure can be applied to predict the in- and out-of-field radiosensitivity of cells following exposure to intensity modulated beams. 
Significance: The developed IMK model facilitates a more precise understanding of intercellular signalling following exposure to intensity-modulated radiation fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matsuya
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency Tokai Center, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Naka-gun, 319-1195, JAPAN
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Room 02/012 , Belfast, BT9 7BL, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Yoshie Yachi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, JAPAN
| | - Ryo Saga
- Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8560, JAPAN
| | - Tatsuhiko Sato
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Directorate, JAEA - Tokai Research and Development Centre, 2-4 Shirakata Shirane, Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Naka-gun, 319-1195, JAPAN
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
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15
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Thompson SJ, Prise KM, McMahon SJ. Investigating the potential contribution of inter-track interactions within ultra-high dose-rate proton therapy. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68. [PMID: 36731135 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acb88a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective. Laser-accelerated protons offer an alternative delivery mechanism for proton therapy. This technique delivers dose-rates of ≥109Gy s-1, many orders of magnitude greater than used clinically. Such ultra-high dose-rates reduce delivery time to nanoseconds, equivalent to the lifetime of reactive chemical species within a biological medium. This leads to the possibility of inter-track interactions between successive protons within a pulse, potentially altering the yields of damaging radicals if they are in sufficient spatial proximity. This work investigates the temporal evolution of chemical species for a range of proton energies and doses to quantify the circumstances required for inter-track interactions, and determine any relevance within ultra-high dose-rate proton therapy.Approach. The TOPAS-nBio Monte Carlo toolkit was used to investigate possible inter-track interactions. Firstly, protons between 0.5 and 100 MeV were simulated to record the radial track dimensions throughout the chemical stage from 1 ps to 1μs. Using the track areas, the geometric probability of track overlap was calculated for various exposures and timescales. A sample of irradiations were then simulated in detail to compare any change in chemical yields for independently and instantaneously delivered tracks, and validate the analytic model.Main results. Track overlap for a clinical 2 Gy dose was negligible for biologically relevant timepoints for all energies. Overlap probability increased with time after irradiation, proton energy and dose, with a minimum 23 Gy dose required before significant track overlap occurred. Simulating chemical interactions confirmed these results with no change in radical yields seen up to 8 Gy for independently and instantaneously delivered tracks.Significance. These observations suggest that the spatial separation between incident protons is too large for physico-chemical inter-track interactions, regardless of the delivery time, indicating such interactions would not play a role in any potential changes in biological response between laser-accelerated and conventional proton therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon J Thompson
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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16
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Chaudhary P, Milluzzo G, McIlvenny A, Ahmed H, McMurray A, Maiorino C, Polin K, Romagnani L, Doria D, McMahon SJ, Botchway SW, Rajeev PP, Prise KM, Borghesi M. Cellular irradiations with laser-driven carbon ions at ultra-high dose rates. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68. [PMID: 36625355 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aca387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Carbon is an ion species of significant radiobiological interest, particularly in view of its use in cancer radiotherapy, where its large Relative Biological Efficiency is often exploited to overcome radio resistance. A growing interest in highly pulsed carbon delivery has arisen in the context of the development of the FLASH radiotherapy approach, with recent studies carried out at dose rates of 40 Gy s-1. Laser acceleration methods, producing ultrashort ion bursts, can now enable the delivery of Gy-level doses of carbon ions at ultra-high dose rates (UHDRs), exceeding 109Gy s-1. While studies at such extreme dose rate have been carried out so far using low LET particles such as electrons and protons, the radiobiology of high-LET, UHDR ions has not yet been explored. Here, we report the first application of laser-accelerated carbon ions generated by focussing 1020W cm-2intense lasers on 10-25 nm carbon targets, to irradiate radioresistant patient-derived Glioblastoma stem like cells (GSCs).Approach.We exposed GSCs to 1 Gy of 9.5 ± 0.5 MeV/n carbon ions delivered in a single ultra-short (∼400-picosecond) pulse, at a dose rate of 2 × 109Gy s-1, generated using the ASTRA GEMINI laser of the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK. We quantified carbon ion-induced DNA double strand break (DSB) damage using the 53BP1 foci formation assay and used 225 kVp x-rays as a reference radiation.Main Results.Laser-accelerated carbon ions induced complex DNA DSB damage, as seen through persistent 53BP1 foci (11.5 ± 0.4 foci/cell/Gy) at 24 h and significantly larger foci (1.69 ± 0.07μm2) than x-rays induced ones (0.63 ± 0.02μm2). The relative foci induction value for laser-driven carbon ions relative to conventional x-rays was 3.2 ± 0.3 at 24 h post-irradiation also confirming the complex nature of the induced damage.Significance.Our study demonstrates the feasibility of radiobiology investigations at unprecedented dose rates using laser-accelerated high-LET carbon ions in clinically relevant models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chaudhary
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Giuliana Milluzzo
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare,, via S Sofia 62, I-95123 Catania, Sicily, Italy
| | - Aodhan McIlvenny
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Hamad Ahmed
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Experimental Science Group, Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxford, OX11 0QX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron McMurray
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Maiorino
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare,, via S Sofia 62, I-95123 Catania, Sicily, Italy.,Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-NP) and Horia Hulubei National Institute for R & D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Str. Reactorului No. 30, 077125 Bucharest, Magurele, Romania.,University College Cork, College of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Diagnostic Radiography and Radiation Therapy, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, Brookfield College Road, T12AK54, Cork, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Polin
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Romagnani
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Laboratoire LULI, École Polytechnique, Route de Saclay, F-91128 Palaiseau, Paris, France
| | - Domenico Doria
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-NP) and Horia Hulubei National Institute for R & D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Str. Reactorului No. 30, 077125 Bucharest, Magurele, Romania
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley W Botchway
- Research Complex at Harwell & Central Laser facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxford, OX11 0QX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Pattathil P Rajeev
- Experimental Science Group, Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxford, OX11 0QX, England, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Borghesi
- Centre for Light-Matter Interactions, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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17
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Mc Laughlin MO, Houlihan OA, Byrne M, Workman G, Esteve S, Gierej A, Baghdasaryan T, Van Erps J, Berghmans F, McGarry C, Grattan M, Prise KM, Hounsell A, Jain S. PRE-CLINICAL CHARACTERISATION OF OPTICAL FIBRE SENSORS IN HDR BRACHYTHERAPY. Phys Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1120-1797(22)02284-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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18
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Baiocco G, Bartzsch S, Conte V, Friedrich T, Jakob B, Tartas A, Villagrasa C, Prise KM. A matter of space: how the spatial heterogeneity in energy deposition determines the biological outcome of radiation exposure. Radiat Environ Biophys 2022; 61:545-559. [PMID: 36220965 PMCID: PMC9630194 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-022-00989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The outcome of the exposure of living organisms to ionizing radiation is determined by the distribution of the associated energy deposition at different spatial scales. Radiation proceeds through ionizations and excitations of hit molecules with an ~ nm spacing. Approaches such as nanodosimetry/microdosimetry and Monte Carlo track-structure simulations have been successfully adopted to investigate radiation quality effects: they allow to explore correlations between the spatial clustering of such energy depositions at the scales of DNA or chromosome domains and their biological consequences at the cellular level. Physical features alone, however, are not enough to assess the entity and complexity of radiation-induced DNA damage: this latter is the result of an interplay between radiation track structure and the spatial architecture of chromatin, and further depends on the chromatin dynamic response, affecting the activation and efficiency of the repair machinery. The heterogeneity of radiation energy depositions at the single-cell level affects the trade-off between cell inactivation and induction of viable mutations and hence influences radiation-induced carcinogenesis. In radiation therapy, where the goal is cancer cell inactivation, the delivery of a homogenous dose to the tumour has been the traditional approach in clinical practice. However, evidence is accumulating that introducing heterogeneity with spatially fractionated beams (mini- and microbeam therapy) can lead to significant advantages, particularly in sparing normal tissues. Such findings cannot be explained in merely physical terms, and their interpretation requires considering the scales at play in the underlying biological mechanisms, suggesting a systemic response to radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Baiocco
- Radiation Biophysics and Radiobiology Group, Physics Department, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Stefan Bartzsch
- Institute for Radiation Medicine, Helmholtz Centre Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valeria Conte
- Istituto Nazionale Di Fisica Nucleare INFN, Laboratori Nazionali Di Legnaro, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Thomas Friedrich
- Department of Biophysics, GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Burkhard Jakob
- Department of Biophysics, GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Adrianna Tartas
- Biomedical Physics Division, Institute of Experimental Physics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Carmen Villagrasa
- IRSN, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Houlihan OA, Workman G, Hounsell AR, Prise KM, Jain S. In vivo dosimetry in pelvic brachytherapy. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20220046. [PMID: 35635803 PMCID: PMC10996950 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This paper describes the potential role for in vivo dosimetry in the reduction of uncertainties in pelvic brachytherapy, the pertinent factors for consideration in clinical practice, and the future potential for in vivo dosimetry in the personalisation of brachytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Anne Houlihan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer
Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust,
Belfast, UK
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's
University Belfast, Belfast,
UK
| | - Geraldine Workman
- Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast
Health and Social Care Trust,
Belfast, UK
| | - Alan R Hounsell
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's
University Belfast, Belfast,
UK
- Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast
Health and Social Care Trust,
Belfast, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's
University Belfast, Belfast,
UK
| | - Suneil Jain
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer
Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust,
Belfast, UK
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's
University Belfast, Belfast,
UK
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20
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Guerra Liberal FDC, Moreira H, Redmond KM, O’Sullivan JM, Alshehri AHD, Wright TC, Dunne VL, Campfield C, Biggart S, McMahon SJ, Prise KM. Differential responses to 223Ra and Alpha-particles exposure in prostate cancer driven by mitotic catastrophe. Front Oncol 2022; 12:877302. [PMID: 35965568 PMCID: PMC9367686 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionRadium-223 (223Ra) has been shown to have an overall survival benefit in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) involving bone. Despite its increased clinical usage, relatively little is known regarding the mechanism of action of 223Ra at the cellular level.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of 223Ra irradiation in a panel of cell lines and then compared them with standard X-ray and external alpha-particle irradiation, with a particular focus on cell survival and DNA damage repair kinetics.Results223Ra exposures had very high, cell-type-dependent RBE50% ranging from 7 to 15. This was significantly greater than external alpha irradiations (RBE50% from 1.4 to 2.1). These differences were shown to be partially related to the volume of 223Ra solution added, independent of the alpha-particle dose rate, suggesting a radiation-independent mechanism of effect. Both external alpha particles and 223Ra exposure were associated with delayed DNA repair, with similar kinetics. Additionally, the greater treatment efficacy of 223Ra was associated with increased levels of residual DNA damage and cell death by mitotic catastrophe.ConclusionsThese results suggest that 223Ra exposure may be associated with greater biological effects than would be expected by direct comparison with a similar dose of external alpha particles, highlighting important challenges for future therapeutic optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco D. C. Guerra Liberal
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Francisco D. C. Guerra Liberal,
| | - Hugo Moreira
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly M. Redmond
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Joe M. O’Sullivan
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H. D. Alshehri
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Timothy C. Wright
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria L. Dunne
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Caoimhghin Campfield
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Biggart
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J. McMahon
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M. Prise
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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21
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Beirne JP, Gilmore A, McInerney CE, Roddy A, Glenn McCluggage W, Harley IJ, Abdullah Alvi M, Prise KM, McArt DG, Mullan PB. A bespoke target selection tool to guide biomarker discovery in tubo-ovarian cancer. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:3359-3371. [PMID: 35832628 PMCID: PMC9260242 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancers presenting at advanced stages inherently have poor prognosis. High grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and aggressive form of tubo-ovarian cancer. Clinical tests to accurately diagnose and monitor this condition are lacking. Hence, development of disease-specific tests are urgently required. Methods The molecular profile of HGSC during disease progression was investigated in a unique patient cohort. A bespoke data browser was developed to analyse gene expression and DNA methylation datasets for biomarker discovery. The Ovarian Cancer Data Browser (OCDB) is built in C# with a.NET framework using an integrated development environment of Microsoft Visual Studio and fast access files (.faf). The graphical user interface is easy to navigate between four analytical modes (gene expression; methylation; combined gene expression and methylation data; methylation clusters), with a rapid query response time. A user should first define a disease progression trend for prioritising results. Single or multiomics data are then mined to identify probes, genes and methylation clusters that exhibit the desired trend. A unique scoring system based on the percentage change in expression/methylation between disease stages is used. Results are filtered and ranked using weighting and penalties. Results The OCDB’s utility for biomarker discovery is demonstrated with the identified target OSR2. Trends in OSR2 repression and hypermethylation with HGSC disease progression were confirmed in the browser samples and an independent cohort using bioassays. The OSR2 methylation biomarker could discriminate HGSC with high specificity (95%) and sensitivity (93.18%). Conclusions The OCDB has been refined and validated to be an integral part of a unique biomarker discovery pipeline. It may also be used independently to aid identification of novel targets. It carries the potential to identify further biomarker assays that can reduce type I and II errors within clinical diagnostics.
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Brown KH, Ghita M, Dubois LJ, de Ruysscher D, Prise KM, Verhaegen F, Butterworth KT. A scoping review of small animal image-guided radiotherapy research: Advances, impact and future opportunities in translational radiobiology. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 34:112-119. [PMID: 35496817 PMCID: PMC9046563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose To provide a scoping review of published studies using small animal irradiators and highlight the progress in preclinical radiotherapy (RT) studies enabled by these platforms since their development and commercialization in 2007. Materials and methods PubMed searches and manufacturer records were used to identify 907 studies that were screened with 359 small animal RT studies included in the analyses. These articles were classified as biology or physics contributions and into subgroups based on research aims, experimental models and other parameters to identify trends in the preclinical RT research landscape. Results From 2007 to 2021, most published articles were biology contributions (62%) whilst physics contributions accounted for 38% of the publications. The main research areas of physics articles were in dosimetry and calibration (24%), treatment planning and simulation (22%), and imaging (22%) and the studies predominantly used phantoms (41%) or in vivo models (34%). The majority of biology contributions were tumor studies (69%) with brain being the most commonly investigated site. The most frequently investigated areas of tumor biology were evaluating radiosensitizers (33%), model development (30%) and imaging (21%) with cell-line derived xenografts the most common model (82%). 31% of studies focused on normal tissue radiobiology and the lung was the most investigated site. Conclusions This study captures the trends in preclinical RT research using small animal irradiators from 2007 to 2021. Our data show the increased uptake and outputs from preclinical RT studies in important areas of biology and physics research that could inform translation to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H. Brown
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author at: Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.
| | - Mihaela Ghita
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ludwig J. Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW – School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin M. Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Verhaegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW – School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Karl T. Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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23
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McAnespie CA, Streeter MJV, Rankin M, Chaudhary P, McMahon SJ, Prise KM, Sarri G. High-dose femtosecond-scale gamma-ray beams for radiobiological applications. Phys Med Biol 2022; 67. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac5bfd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. In the irradiation of living tissue, the fundamental physical processes involved in radical production typically occur on a timescale of a few femtoseconds. A detailed understanding of these phenomena has thus far been limited by the relatively long duration of the radiation sources employed, extending well beyond the timescales for radical generation and evolution. Approach. Here, we propose a femtosecond-scale photon source, based on inverse Compton scattering of laser-plasma accelerated electron beams in the field of a second scattering laser pulse. Main results. Detailed numerical modelling indicates that existing laser facilities can provide ultra-short and high-flux MeV-scale photon beams, able to deposit doses tuneable from a fraction of Gy up to a few Gy per pulse, resulting in dose rates exceeding 1013 Gy/s. Significance. We envisage that such a source will represent a unique tool for time-resolved radiobiological experiments, with the prospect of further advancing radio-therapeutic techniques.
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24
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Chaudhary P, Gwynne DC, Odlozilik B, McMurray A, Milluzzo G, Maiorino C, Doria D, Ahmed H, Romagnani L, Alejo A, Padda H, Green J, Carroll D, Booth N, McKenna P, Kar S, Petringa G, Catalano R, Cammarata FP, Cirrone GAP, McMahon SJ, Prise KM, Borghesi M. Development of a portable hypoxia chamber for ultra-high dose rate laser-driven proton radiobiology applications. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:77. [PMID: 35428301 PMCID: PMC9013042 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is currently significant interest in assessing the role of oxygen in the radiobiological effects at ultra-high dose rates. Oxygen modulation is postulated to play a role in the enhanced sparing effect observed in FLASH radiotherapy, where particles are delivered at 40–1000 Gy/s. Furthermore, the development of laser-driven accelerators now enables radiobiology experiments in extreme regimes where dose rates can exceed 109 Gy/s, and predicted oxygen depletion effects on cellular response can be tested. Access to appropriate experimental enviroments, allowing measurements under controlled oxygenation conditions, is a key requirement for these studies. We report on the development and application of a bespoke portable hypoxia chamber specifically designed for experiments employing laser-driven sources, but also suitable for comparator studies under FLASH and conventional irradiation conditions. Materials and methods We used oxygen concentration measurements to test the induction of hypoxia and the maintenance capacity of the chambers. Cellular hypoxia induction was verified using hypoxia inducible factor-1α immunostaining. Calibrated radiochromic films and GEANT-4 simulations verified the dosimetry variations inside and outside the chambers. We irradiated hypoxic human skin fibroblasts (AG01522B) cells with laser-driven protons, conventional protons and reference 225 kVp X-rays to quantify DNA DSB damage and repair under hypoxia. We further measured the oxygen enhancement ratio for cell survival after X-ray exposure in normal fibroblast and radioresistant patient- derived GBM stem cells. Results Oxygen measurements showed that our chambers maintained a radiobiological hypoxic environment for at least 45 min and pathological hypoxia for up to 24 h after disconnecting the chambers from the gas supply. We observed a significant reduction in the 53BP1 foci induced by laser-driven protons, conventional protons and X-rays in the hypoxic cells compared to normoxic cells at 30 min post-irradiation. Under hypoxic irradiations, the Laser-driven protons induced significant residual DNA DSB damage in hypoxic AG01522B cells compared to the conventional dose rate protons suggesting an important impact of these extremely high dose-rate exposures. We obtained an oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) of 2.1 ± 0.1 and 2.5 ± 0.1 respectively for the AG01522B and patient-derived GBM stem cells for X-ray irradiation using our hypoxia chambers. Conclusion We demonstrated the design and application of portable hypoxia chambers for studying cellular radiobiological endpoints after exposure to laser-driven protons at ultra-high dose, conventional protons and X-rays. Suitable levels of reduced oxygen concentration could be maintained in the absence of external gassing to quantify hypoxic effects. The data obtained provided indication of an enhanced residual DNA DSB damage under hypoxic conditions at ultra-high dose rate compared to the conventional protons or X-rays. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-022-02024-3.
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25
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Osman SOS, Fairmichael C, Whitten G, Lundy GS, Wesselman R, Wilson ML, Hounsell AR, Prise KM, Irvine D, McGarry CK, Jain S. Simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to dominant intra-prostatic lesions during extreme hypofractionation for prostate cancer: the impact of rectal spacers. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:38. [PMID: 35193630 PMCID: PMC8862253 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Boosting dominant intra-prostatic lesions (DILs) has the potential to increase the therapeutic ratio in prostate cancer radiotherapy. In this study, employing 5-fraction stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to deliver 40 Gy to the prostate clinical target volume (CTV) while boosting the DIL up to 50 Gy was evaluated for patients before and after rectal spacer insertion.
Materials and methods
24 Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 12 prostate cancer patients with unfavourable intermediate or high risk prostate cancer were employed in this study. At least two treatment plans were generated for each patient to compare pre- and post-spacer insertion plans. Plans were evaluated for target coverage, organs-at-risk doses, and the achievable boost dose level.
Results
The CTV coverage was significantly better in plans with a spacer, V40Gy 98.4% versus 97.0% (p = 0.012). Using spacers significantly reduced rectal dose in all 12 patients in this study. It was possible to boost DIL to 50 Gy to without violating dose constraints in 6 of 12 patients and to 47.5 Gy in 3 patients post-spacer insertion. For 3 patients (25%) it was not possible to boost DIL above 45 Gy even with a spacer in situ. Without a spacer, for 6 patient (50%) clinically acceptable plan were only achieved when the DIL dose was lowered to 45 Gy. In five of these 6 patients the dose limiting structure was the urethra (urethra planning risk volume V45Gy [cc] ≤ 0.1 cc constraint).
Conclusions
Clinically acceptable plans for 5 fraction SABR, 40 Gy to the prostate CTV, with a SIB to DIL (45–50 Gy) were achieved. The boost dose achieved was DIL location dependent and primarily affected by DIL’s proximity to the urethra. Compared to plans before spacer insertion, higher DIL dose were achieved with spacer in situ for 25% of the patients. Moreover, significant reduction in rectal dose and better target coverage were also achieved for all patients with spacers in situ.
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Fukunaga H, Yokoya A, Prise KM. A Brief Overview of Radiation-Induced Effects on Spermatogenesis and Oncofertility. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030805. [PMID: 35159072 PMCID: PMC8834293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Spermatogenesis is one of the most important processes for the propagation of life; however, the testes’ ability to form sperm via this differentiation process is highly radiosensitive and easily impacted by exposure to environmental, occupational, or therapeutic radiation. Furthermore, the possibility that radiation effects on the gonads can be passed on from generation to generation should not be overlooked. This review focuses on the radiation-induced effects on spermatogenesis and the transgenerational effects. We also explore the potential of novel radiobiological approaches to improve male fertility preservation during radiotherapy. Abstract The genotoxicity of radiation on germ cells may be passed on to the next generation, thus its elucidation is not only a scientific issue but also an ethical, legal, and social issue in modern society. In this article, we briefly overview the effects of radiation on spermatogenesis and its associated genotoxicity, including the latest findings in the field of radiobiology. The potential role of transgenerational effects is still poorly understood, and further research in this area is desirable. Furthermore, from the perspective of oncofertility, we discuss the historical background and clinical importance of preserving male fertility during radiation treatment and the potential of microbeam radiotherapy. We hope that this review will contribute to stimulating further discussions and investigations for therapies for pediatric and adolescent/young adult patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisanori Fukunaga
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Akinari Yokoya
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan;
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University, Ibaraki 310-8512, Japan
| | - Kevin M. Prise
- Patrick G Johnstone Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK;
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Thompson SJ, Rooney A, Prise KM, McMahon SJ. Evaluating Iodine-125 DNA Damage Benchmarks of Monte Carlo DNA Damage Models. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030463. [PMID: 35158731 PMCID: PMC8833774 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Simulation of initial radiation-induced DNA damage remains a major area of research, with numerous Monte Carlo models having been developed to model radiation effects on the cellular scale. While many models have been reasonably fit to a range of biological endpoints, there remains a lack of robust benchmarking data. Here, we investigate the application of a dataset on strand breaking in a single DNA strand through incorporation of radioactive Iodine-125 to distinguish between different Monte Carlo nanoscale physics models. We find that, while all models are able to effectively fit this data, they do so using significantly different best-fitting parameters and make substantially different predictions for other endpoints. These observations suggest that most nanoscale models broadly agree on the distribution of energy and can be made to fit to single datasets, but robust, multi-endpoint analysis is required to fully optimize and validate these approaches. Abstract A wide range of Monte Carlo models have been applied to predict yields of DNA damage based on nanoscale track structure calculations. While often similar on the macroscopic scale, these models frequently employ different assumptions which lead to significant differences in nanoscale dose deposition. However, the impact of these differences on key biological readouts remains unclear. A major challenge in this area is the lack of robust datasets which can be used to benchmark models, due to a lack of resolution at the base pair level required to deeply test nanoscale dose deposition. Studies investigating the distribution of strand breakage in short DNA strands following the decay of incorporated 125I offer one of the few benchmarks for model predictions on this scale. In this work, we have used TOPAS-nBio to evaluate the performance of three Geant4-DNA physics models at predicting the distribution and yield of strand breaks in this irradiation scenario. For each model, energy and OH radical distributions were simulated and used to generate predictions of strand breakage, varying energy thresholds for strand breakage and OH interaction rates to fit to the experimental data. All three models could fit well to the observed data, although the best-fitting strand break energy thresholds ranged from 29.5 to 32.5 eV, significantly higher than previous studies. However, despite well describing the resulting DNA fragment distribution, these fit models differed significantly with other endpoints, such as the total yield of breaks, which varied by 70%. Limitations in the underlying data due to inherent normalisation mean it is not possible to distinguish clearly between the models in terms of total yield. This suggests that, while these physics models can effectively fit some biological data, they may not always generalise in the same way to other endpoints, requiring caution in their extrapolation to new systems and the use of multiple different data sources for robust model benchmarking.
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Jackson SA, Prise KM. 10 years of open access publishing at the BIR. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20229001. [PMID: 34889646 PMCID: PMC8722229 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20229001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Bastiani I, McMahon SJ, Turner P, Redmond KM, McGarry CK, Cole A, O'Sullivan JM, Prise KM, Ainsbury L, Anderson R. Dose estimation after a mixed field exposure: Radium-223 and intensity modulated radiotherapy. Nucl Med Biol 2021; 106-107:10-20. [PMID: 34968973 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Radium-223 dichloride ([223Ra]RaCl2), a radiopharmaceutical that delivers α-particles to regions of bone metastatic disease, has been proven to improve overall survival of men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). mCRPC patients enrolled on the ADRRAD clinical trial are treated with a mixed field exposure comprising radium-223 (223Ra) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). While absorbed dose estimation is an important step in the characterisation of wider systemic radiation risks in nuclear medicine, uncertainties remain for novel radiopharmaceuticals such as 223Ra. METHODS 24-Colour karyotyping was used to quantify the spectrum of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes of ADRRAD patients at incremental times during their treatment. Dicentric equivalent frequencies were used in standard models for estimation of absorbed blood dose. To account for the mixed field nature of the treatment, existing models were used to determine the ratio of the component radiation types. Additionally, a new approach (M-FISHLET), based on the ratio of cells containing damage consistent with high-LET exposure (complex chromosomal exchanges) and low-LET exposure (simple exchanges), was used as a pseudo ratio for 223Ra:IMRT dose. RESULTS Total IMRT estimated doses delivered to the blood after completion of mixed radiotherapy (after 37 IMRT fractions and two [223Ra]RaCl2 injections) were in the range of 1.167 ± 0.092 and 2.148 ± 0.096 Gy (dose range across all models applied). By the last treatment cycle analysed in this study (four [223Ra]RaCl2 injections), the total absorbed 223Ra dose to the blood was estimated to be between 0.024 ± 0.027 and 0.665 ± 0.080 Gy, depending on the model used. Differences between the models were observed, with the observed dose variance coming from inter-model as opposed to inter-patient differences. The M-FISHLET model potentially overestimates the 223Ra absorbed blood dose by accounting for further PBL exposure in the vicinity of metastatic sites. CONCLUSIONS The models presented provide initial estimations of cumulative dose received during incremental IMRT fractions and [223Ra]RaCl2 injections, which will enable improved understanding of the doses received by individual patients. While the M-FISHLET method builds on a well-established technique for external exposures, further consideration is needed to evaluate this method and its use in assessing non-targeted exposure by 223Ra after its localization at bone metastatic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Bastiani
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London UB8 3PH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Philip Turner
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Kelly M Redmond
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Aidan Cole
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Joe M O'Sullivan
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Liz Ainsbury
- Centre for Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, Didcot OX11 0RQ, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Rhona Anderson
- Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, London UB8 3PH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
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Chen G, Kong P, Yang M, Hu W, Prise KM, Yu KN, Cui S, Qin F, Meng G, Almahi WA, Nie L, Han W. Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Confers Radioresistance via Stabilizing EGFR in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 112:1216-1228. [PMID: 34838866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radioresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in tumor radiotherapy and the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance are still elusive. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been reported to associate tightly with cancer progression and chemoresistance. Herein, we explored whether GOLPH3 mediated radioresistance of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and whether targeted suppression of GOLPH3 sensitized LUAD to radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS The aberrant expression of GOLPH3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in LUAD clinical samples. To evaluate the association between GOLPH3 and radioresistance, colony formation and apoptosis were assessed in control and GOLPH3 knockdown cells. γ-H2AX foci/level determination and micronucleus test were used to analyze DNA damage production and repair. The rescue of GOLPH3 knockdown was then performed by exogenous expression of siRNA-resistant mutant GOLPH3 to confirm the role of GOLPH3 in DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, the effect of GOLPH3 on regulating stability and nuclear accumulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the activation of DNA-PK were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation. The role of GOLPH3 in vivo in radioresistance was determined in a xenograft model. RESULTS In tumor tissues of 33 patients with LUAD, the expression of GOLPH3 showed significantly increases compared with those in matched normal tissues. Knocking down GOLPH3 reduced the clonogenic capacity, impaired DSB repair and enhanced apoptosis after irradiation. In contrast, reversal of GOLPH3 depletion rescued the impaired repair of radiation-induced DSBs. Mechanistically, loss of GOLPH3 accelerated the degradation of EGFR in lysosome, causing the reduction in EGFR levels, thereby weakening nuclear accumulation of EGFR and attenuating the activation of DNA-PK. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated GOLPH3 knockdown could enhance the ionizing-radiation response in LUAD xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS GOLPH3 conferred resistance of LUAD to ionizing-radiation via stabilizing EGFR and targeted suppression of GOLPH3 might be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for sensitizing LUAD to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Peizhong Kong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China; Clinical Pathology Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230012, P. R. China
| | - Wanglai Hu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, P. R. China
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, United Kingdom
| | - K N Yu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, 999077, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Shujun Cui
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Feng Qin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Gang Meng
- Clinical Pathology Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230012, P. R. China; Department of Pathology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
| | - Waleed Abdelbagi Almahi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, P. R. China
| | - Lili Nie
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China
| | - Wei Han
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China..
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Owens AR, McInerney CE, Prise KM, McArt DG, Jurek-Loughrey A. Novel deep learning-based solution for identification of prognostic subgroups in liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma). BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:563. [PMID: 34819028 PMCID: PMC8611905 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma; HCC) prevalence is increasing and with poor clinical outcome expected it means greater understanding of HCC aetiology is urgently required. This study explored a deep learning solution to detect biologically important features that distinguish prognostic subgroups. A novel architecture of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained with a customised objective function (LRSC) was developed. The ANN should discover new data representations, to detect patient subgroups that are biologically homogenous (clustering loss) and similar in survival (survival loss) while removing noise from the data (reconstruction loss). The model was applied to TCGA-HCC multi-omics data and benchmarked against baseline models that only use a reconstruction objective function (BCE, MSE) for learning. With the baseline models, the new features are then filtered based on survival information and used for clustering patients. Different variants of the customised objective function, incorporating only reconstruction and clustering losses (LRC); and reconstruction and survival losses (LRS) were also evaluated. Robust features consistently detected were compared between models and validated in TCGA and LIRI-JP HCC cohorts. Results The combined loss (LRSC) discovered highly significant prognostic subgroups (P-value = 1.55E−77) with more accurate sample assignment (Silhouette scores: 0.59–0.7) compared to baseline models (0.18–0.3). All LRSC bottleneck features (N = 100) were significant for survival, compared to only 11–21 for baseline models. Prognostic subgroups were not explained by disease grade or risk factors. Instead LRSC identified robust features including 377 mRNAs, many of which were novel (61.27%) compared to those identified by the other losses. Some 75 mRNAs were prognostic in TCGA, while 29 were prognostic in LIRI-JP also. LRSC also identified 15 robust miRNAs including two novel (hsa-let-7g; hsa-mir-550a-1) and 328 methylation features with 71% being prognostic. Gene-enrichment and Functional Annotation Analysis identified seven pathways differentiating prognostic clusters. Conclusions Combining cluster and survival metrics with the reconstruction objective function facilitated superior prognostic subgroup identification. The hybrid model identified more homogeneous clusters that consequently were more biologically meaningful. The novel and prognostic robust features extracted provide additional information to improve our understanding of a complex disease to help reveal its aetiology. Moreover, the gene features identified may have clinical applications as therapeutic targets. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04454-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Owens
- School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast, 18 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Caitríona E McInerney
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Darragh G McArt
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Anna Jurek-Loughrey
- School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast, 18 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Cahoon P, Giacometti V, Casey F, Russell E, McGarry C, Prise KM, McMahon SJ. Investigating spatial fractionation and radiation induced bystander effects: a mathematical modelling approach. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34666318 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac3119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Radiation induced bystander effects (RIBEs) have been shown to cause death in cells receiving little or no physical dose. In standard radiotherapy, where uniform fields are delivered and all cells are directly exposed to radiation, this phenomenon can be neglected. However, the role of RIBEs may become more influential when heterogeneous fields are considered. Mathematical modelling can be used to determine how these heterogeneous fields might influence cell survival, but most established techniques account only for the direct effects of radiation. To gain a full appreciation of how non-uniform fields impact cell survival, it is also necessary to consider the indirect effects of radiation. In this work, we utilise a mathematical model that accounts for both the direct effects of radiation on cells and RIBEs. This model is used to investigate how spatially fractionated radiotherapy plans impact cell survivalin vitro. These predictions were compared to survival in normal and cancerous cells following exposure to spatially fractionated plans using a clinical linac. The model is also used to explore how spatially fractionated radiotherapy will impact tumour controlin vivo. Results suggest that spatially fractionated plans are associated with higher equivalent uniform doses than conventional uniform plans at clinically relevant doses. The model predicted only small changes changes in normal tissue complication probability, compared to the larger protection seen clinically. This contradicts a central paradigm of radiotherapy where uniform fields are assumed to maximise cell kill and may be important for future radiotherapy optimisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cahoon
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Giacometti
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Casey
- Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Nottingham Radiotherapy Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Russell
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Conor McGarry
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.,Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Moreira HM, Guerra Liberal FD, McMahon SJ, Prise KM. Characterization of a custom-made 241Am alpha-source for radiobiological studies. Appl Radiat Isot 2021; 177:109931. [PMID: 34488046 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A compact in-house alpha particle source has been developed and fully characterized. The irradiation source is a large area, 25 cm2, 5.4 MeV average energy 241Am source, above which a Mylar dish containing a monolayer of target cells can be placed at defined positions. The source uniformity, flux, particle energy and dose rate were determined experimentally. The dose rate to the nucleus at the closest position was 1.57 Gy/min. Furthermore, a 3D printed collimator was tested and found to improve the uniformity of the energy spectra of particles reaching the target. For validation, prostate PC-3 cells were irradiated in our experimental setup with absorbed doses up to 2 Gy and for reference compared with cells irradiated with conventional X-rays with doses up to 8 Gy. The Relative Biological Effectiveness for alpha particles at 10% survival was 3.66± 0.40 agreeing with previously published data. Data presented here show the feasibility of utilising a low-cost alpha-irradiation source for accurate in vitro assays to better understand the radiobiological effects of high LET alpha particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Mr Moreira
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco Dc Guerra Liberal
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
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Wright TC, Dunne VL, Alshehri AHD, Redmond KM, Cole AJ, Prise KM. Abiraterone In Vitro Is Superior to Enzalutamide in Response to Ionizing Radiation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:700543. [PMID: 34367984 PMCID: PMC8335570 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.700543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abiraterone acetate and Enzalutamide are novel anti-androgens that are key treatments to improve both progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine whether combinations of AR inhibitors with radiation are additive or synergistic, and investigated the underlying mechanisms governing this. This study also aimed to compare and investigate a biological rationale for the selection of Abiraterone versus Enzalutamide in combination with radiotherapy as currently selection is based on consideration of side effect profiles and clinical experience. We report that AR suppression with Enzalutamide produces a synergistic effect only in AR-sensitive prostate models. In contrast, Abiraterone displays synergistic effects in combination with radiation regardless of AR status, alluding to potential alternative mechanisms of action. The underlying mechanisms governing this AR-based synergy are based on the reduction of key AR linked DNA repair pathways such as NHEJ and HR, with changes in HR potentially the result of changes in cell cycle distribution, with these reductions ultimately resulting in increased cell death. These changes were also shown to be conserved in combination with radiation, with AR suppression 24 hours before radiation leading to the most significant differences. Comparison between Abiraterone and Enzalutamide highlighted Abiraterone from a mechanistic standpoint as being superior to Abiraterone for all endpoints measured. Therefore, this provides a potential rationale for the selection of Abiraterone over Enzalutamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Wright
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria L Dunne
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H D Alshehri
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Department of Radiological Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kelly M Redmond
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan J Cole
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,Department of Radiological Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.,Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Dunne VL, Wright T, Liberal F, O'Sullivan JM, Prise KM. Abstract 3054: Synergistic activity of DNA damage response kinase inhibitors in combination with the targeted alpha therapy radium-223 dichloride for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Radium-223 dichloride (Ra-223, Xofigo®) is the first approved α-particle-emitting radionuclide for the treatment of symptomatic bone metastases in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with no known evidence of visceral metastases. Ra-223 is a calcium-mimetic that preferentially binds with the bone mineral hydroxyapatite at areas of high bone turnover, such as bone metastases. This highly localized radiotherapy causes a high frequency of unrepairable double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs), resulting in a potent antitumor effect on bone metastases. Recent evidence has suggested that patients with mutations in the DNA damage response pathway (DDR), may have differential outcomes to Ra-223 treatment (1).DDR comprises a dynamic network of signaling pathways for the maintenance of genomic integrity. Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and Rad3-related (ATR) are critical proteins which orchestrate the DDR and their activation is dependent on the type of DNA lesion. ATM is the primary responder to DSBs whilst ATR is activated by a range of lesions including single strand DNA structures at resected ends of DBSs and after replication fork stalling. In this study, we evaluated the impact of combining DDR kinase inhibitors with Ra-223 to investigate whether a greater radiosensitization response occurs in comparison to standard X-rays in PC3 and DU145 human prostate cell lines and normal prostate epithelial RWPE-1 cells. Cell assays including clonogenic survival, DNA damage assays and flow cytometry were used to assess the effect of DDR kinase inhibitors in combination with ionizing radiation. Cells were pre-treated with DDR inhibitors one-hour before exposure to 2Gy X-rays or an equivalent dose of 0.25Gy Ra-223. Our data show that, in all prostate models, DDR kinase inhibitors in combination with Ra-223 significantly enhanced radiosensitivity (p<0.005) response in comparison to combined treatment with X-rays. Furthermore, a greater quantity of residual DSBs at 24 hours post combination treatment was observed after Ra-223 exposure in comparison to X-ray exposure (p<0.001). Promisingly, this combined treatment had minimal effect on RWPE-1 normal cells. Our findings strongly support the combination of DNA damage induction by Ra-223 with DDR kinase inhibitors as a novel potential treatment option for mCRPC patients in order to improve clinical outcome.
{{References}}:1.Velho PI, Qazi F, Hassan S, et al. Efficacy of Radium-223 in Bone-metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer with and Without Homologous Repair Gene Defects. European Urology. 2019; 76: 170-176.
Citation Format: Victoria L. Dunne, Timothy Wright, Francisco Liberal, Joe M. O'Sullivan, Kevin M. Prise. Synergistic activity of DNA damage response kinase inhibitors in combination with the targeted alpha therapy radium-223 dichloride for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3054.
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McMahon SJ, Prise KM. A Mechanistic DNA Repair and Survival Model (Medras): Applications to Intrinsic Radiosensitivity, Relative Biological Effectiveness and Dose-Rate. Front Oncol 2021; 11:689112. [PMID: 34268120 PMCID: PMC8276175 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.689112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Variations in the intrinsic radiosensitivity of different cells to ionizing radiation is now widely believed to be a significant driver in differences in response to radiotherapy. While the mechanisms of radiosensitivity have been extensively studied in the laboratory, there are a lack of models which integrate this knowledge into a predictive framework. This paper presents an overview of the Medras model, which has been developed to provide a mechanistic framework in which different radiation responses can be modelled and individual responses predicted. This model simulates the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage, incorporating the overall kinetics of repair and its fidelity, to predict a range of biological endpoints including residual DNA damage, mutation, chromosome aberration, and cell death. Validation of this model against a range of exposure types is presented, including considerations of varying radiation qualities and dose-rates. This approach has the potential to inform new tools to deliver mechanistic predictions of radiation sensitivity, and support future developments in treatment personalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Joseph McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Turner PG, Jain S, Cole A, Grey A, Mitchell D, Prise KM, Hounsell AR, McGarry CK, Biggart S, O'Sullivan JM. Toxicity and Efficacy of Concurrent Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Pelvic Radiotherapy, and Radium-223 in Patients with De Novo Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4549-4556. [PMID: 34187853 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radium-223 is an alpha-emitting radionuclide associated with overall survival (OS) improvement in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to prostate extends OS in men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) limited to less than 4 metastases. We hypothesized that combination radium-223 + pelvic EBRT could safely deliver maximal radiotherapy doses to primary and metastatic prostate cancer and may improve disease control. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty patients with de novo bone metastatic mHSPC who had commenced androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel were recruited to this single-arm, open-label, prospective clinical trial: Neo-adjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Pelvic Radiotherapy and RADium-223 (ADRRAD; for new presentation T1-4 N0-1 M1B adenocarcinoma of prostate). Study treatments were: ADT, 6 cycles of radium-223 q28 days, conventionally fractionated prostate radiotherapy (74 Gy) and simultaneous integrated boost to pelvic lymph nodes (60 Gy). RESULTS No grade 4/5 toxicity was observed. Three patients experienced grade 3 leukopenia, and 1 each experienced grade 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia; all were asymptomatic. One patient each experienced grade 3 dysuria and grade 3 urinary infection. No grade 3 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity was observed. On treatment completion, there was a signal of efficacy; 24 (80%) patients had whole-body MRI evidence of tumor response or stability. Twenty-seven (90%) patients showed a reduction in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared with pretreatment levels. Median progression-free survival was 20.5 months. CONCLUSIONS This is the first trial of combination ADT, radium-223, and EBRT to pelvis, post docetaxel. The combination was safe, with an efficacy signal. Multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip G Turner
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom. .,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Suneil Jain
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan Cole
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur Grey
- The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Mitchell
- The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alan R Hounsell
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Conor K McGarry
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Biggart
- The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Joe M O'Sullivan
- The Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.,The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Russell E, Dunne V, Russell B, Mohamud H, Ghita M, McMahon SJ, Butterworth KT, Schettino G, McGarry CK, Prise KM. Impact of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles on in vitro and in vivo radiosensitisation of cancer cells. Radiat Oncol 2021; 16:104. [PMID: 34118963 PMCID: PMC8199842 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The recent implementation of MR-Linacs has highlighted theranostic opportunities of contrast agents in both imaging and radiotherapy. There is a lack of data exploring the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as radiosensitisers. Through preclinical 225 kVp exposures, this study aimed to characterise the uptake and radiobiological effects of SPIONs in tumour cell models in vitro and to provide proof-of-principle application in a xenograft tumour model. METHODS SPIONs were also characterised to determine their hydrodynamic radius using dynamic light scattering and uptake was measured using ICP-MS in 6 cancer cell lines; H460, MiaPaCa2, DU145, MCF7, U87 and HEPG2. The impact of SPIONs on radiobiological response was determined by measuring DNA damage using 53BP1 immunofluorescence and cell survival. Sensitisation Enhancement Ratios (SERs) were compared with the predicted Dose Enhancement Ratios (DEFs) based on physical absorption estimations. In vivo efficacy was demonstrated using a subcutaneous H460 xenograft tumour model in SCID mice by following intra-tumoural injection of SPIONs. RESULTS The hydrodynamic radius was found to be between 110 and 130 nm, with evidence of being monodisperse in nature. SPIONs significantly increased DNA damage in all cell lines with the exception of U87 cells at a dose of 1 Gy, 1 h post-irradiation. Levels of DNA damage correlated with the cell survival, in which all cell lines except U87 cells showed an increased sensitivity (P < 0.05) in the linear quadratic curve fit for 1 h exposure to 23.5 μg/ml SPIONs. There was also a 30.1% increase in the number of DNA damage foci found for HEPG2 cells at 2 Gy. No strong correlation was found between SPION uptake and DNA damage at any dose, yet the biological consequences of SPIONs on radiosensitisation were found to be much greater, with SERs up to 1.28 ± 0.03, compared with predicted physical dose enhancement levels of 1.0001. In vivo, intra-tumoural injection of SPIONs combined with radiation showed significant tumour growth delay compared to animals treated with radiation or SPIONs alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS SPIONs showed radiosensitising effects in 5 out of 6 cancer cell lines. No correlation was found between the cell-specific uptake of SPIONs into the cells and DNA damage levels. The in vivo study found a significant decrease in the tumour growth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Russell
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
- National Physical Laboratory, London, UK.
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, UK.
| | - Victoria Dunne
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | | | | | - Mihaela Ghita
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- National Physical Laboratory, London, UK
- Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
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40
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Stupnikov A, McInerney CE, Savage KI, McIntosh SA, Emmert-Streib F, Kennedy R, Salto-Tellez M, Prise KM, McArt DG. Robustness of differential gene expression analysis of RNA-seq. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3470-3481. [PMID: 34188784 PMCID: PMC8214188 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) is a relatively new technology that lacks standardisation. RNA-seq can be used for Differential Gene Expression (DGE) analysis, however, no consensus exists as to which methodology ensures robust and reproducible results. Indeed, it is broadly acknowledged that DGE methods provide disparate results. Despite obstacles, RNA-seq assays are in advanced development for clinical use but further optimisation will be needed. Herein, five DGE models (DESeq2, voom + limma, edgeR, EBSeq, NOISeq) for gene-level detection were investigated for robustness to sequencing alterations using a controlled analysis of fixed count matrices. Two breast cancer datasets were analysed with full and reduced sample sizes. DGE model robustness was compared between filtering regimes and for different expression levels (high, low) using unbiased metrics. Test sensitivity estimated as relative False Discovery Rate (FDR), concordance between model outputs and comparisons of a ’population’ of slopes of relative FDRs across different library sizes, generated using linear regressions, were examined. Patterns of relative DGE model robustness proved dataset-agnostic and reliable for drawing conclusions when sample sizes were sufficiently large. Overall, the non-parametric method NOISeq was the most robust followed by edgeR, voom, EBSeq and DESeq2. Our rigorous appraisal provides information for method selection for molecular diagnostics. Metrics may prove useful towards improving the standardisation of RNA-seq for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stupnikov
- Department of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation.,Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - C E McInerney
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - K I Savage
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - S A McIntosh
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - F Emmert-Streib
- Predictive Society and Data Analytics Lab, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - R Kennedy
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - M Salto-Tellez
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - K M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - D G McArt
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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41
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Matsuya Y, McMahon SJ, Butterworth KT, Naijo S, Nara I, Yachi Y, Saga R, Ishikawa M, Sato T, Date H, Prise KM. Oxygen enhancement ratios of cancer cells after exposure to intensity modulated x-ray fields: DNA damage and cell survival. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 33735839 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abf011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic cancer cells within solid tumours show radio-resistance, leading to malignant progression in fractionated radiotherapy. When prescribing dose to tumours under heterogeneous oxygen pressure with intensity-modulated radiation fields, intercellular signalling could have an impact on radiosensitivity between in-field and out-of-field (OF) cells. However, the impact of hypoxia on radio-sensitivity under modulated radiation intensity remains to be fully clarified. Here, we investigate the impact of hypoxia on in-field and OF radio-sensitivities using two types of cancer cells, DU145 and H1299. Using a nBIONIX hypoxic culture kit and a shielding technique to irradiate 50% of a cell culture flask, oxygen enhancement ratios for double-strand breaks (DSB) and cell death endpoints were determined. Thesein vitromeasurements indicate that hypoxia impacts OF cells, although the hypoxic impacts on OF cells for cell survival were dose-dependent and smaller compared to those for in-field and uniformly irradiated cells. These decreased radio-sensitivities of OF cells were shown as a consistent tendency for both DSB and cell death endpoints, suggesting that radiation-induced intercellular communication is of importance in advanced radiotherapy dose-distributions such as with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Matsuya
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Research Group for Radiation Transport Analysis, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, BT7 9AE, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, BT7 9AE, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shingo Naijo
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan.,Department of Radiology, Tokyo University Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Isshi Nara
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yoshie Yachi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Ryo Saga
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Masayori Ishikawa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Sato
- Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Research Group for Radiation Transport Analysis, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai, Ibaraki, 319-1195, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Date
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12 Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, BT7 9AE, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Guerra Liberal F, McMahon SJ, Prise KM. TOPAS a tool to evaluate the impact of cell geometry and radionuclide on alpha particle therapy. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2021; 7. [PMID: 33770769 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/abf29f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Due to the increasing clinical application of alpha particles, accurate assessment of their dosimetry at the cellular scale should be strongly advocated. Although observations of the impact of cell and nuclear geometry have been previously reported, this effect has not been fully quantified. Additionally, alpha particle dosimetry presents several challenges and most conventional methodologies have poor resolution and are limited to average parameters across populations of cells. Meaningful dosimetry studies with alpha particles require detailed information on the geometry of the target at a subcellular scale. METHODS The impact of cellular geometry was evaluated for 3 different scenarios, a spherical cell with a concentric nucleus, a spherical cell with an eccentric nucleus and a model of a cell attached to a flask, consisting of a hemispherical oblate ellipsoid, all exposed to 1,700 211At radionuclide decays. We also evaluated the cross-fire effect of alpha particles as function of distance to a source cell. Finally, a nanodosimetric analysis of absorbed dose to the nucleus of a cell exposed to 1 Gy of different alpha emitting radionuclides was performed. RESULTS Simulated data shows the dosimetry of self-absorbed-dose strongly depends on activity localization in the source cell, but that activity localization within the source cell did not significantly affect the cross-fire absorbed dose even when cells are in direct contact with each other. Additionally, nanodosimetric analysis failed to show any significant differences in the energy deposition profile between different alpha particle emitters. CONCLUSIONS The collected data allows a better understanding of the dosimetry of alpha particles emitters at the sub-cellular scale. Dosimetric variations between different cellular configurations can generate complications and confounding factors for the translation of dosimetric outcomes into clinical settings, but effects of different radionuclides are generally similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Guerra Liberal
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7AE, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
| | - Kevin M Prise
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Mo F, Patel G, Butterworth K, Shao C, Prise KM. The Roles of HIF-1α in Radiosensitivity and Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects Under Hypoxia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637454. [PMID: 33869184 PMCID: PMC8044822 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced bystander effects (RIBE) may have potential implications for radiotherapy, yet the radiobiological impact and underlying mechanisms in hypoxic tumor cells remain to be determined. Using two human tumor cell lines, hepatoma HepG2 cells and glioblastoma T98G cells, the present study found that under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions, increased micronucleus formation and decreased cell survival were observed in non-irradiated bystander cells which had been co-cultured with X-irradiated cells or treated with conditioned-medium harvested from X-irradiated cells. Although the radiosensitivity of hypoxic tumor cells was lower than that of aerobic cells, the yield of micronucleus induced in bystander cells under hypoxia was similar to that measured under normoxia indicating that RIBE is a more significant factor in overall radiation damage of hypoxic cells. When hypoxic cells were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), before and during irradiation, the bystander response was partly diminished. Furthermore, when only hypoxic bystander cells were pretreated with siRNA hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), RIBE were decreased slightly but if irradiated cells were treated with siRNA HIF-1α, hypoxic RIBE decreased significantly. In addition, the expression of HIF-1α could be increased in association with other downstream effector molecules such as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and carbonic anhydrase (CA9) in irradiated hypoxic cells. However, the expression of HIF-1α expression in bystander cells was decreased by a conditioned medium from isogenic irradiated cells. The current results showed that under hypoxic conditions, irradiated HepG2 and T98G cells showed reduced radiosensitivity by increasing the expression of HIF-1α and induced a syngeneic bystander effect by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α and regulating its downstream target genes in both the irradiated or bystander cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Zhang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Mo
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaurang Patel
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Butterworth
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Chunlin Shao
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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44
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Fukunaga H, Kaminaga K, Sato T, Butterworth KT, Watanabe R, Usami N, Ogawa T, Yokoya A, Prise KM. Spatially Fractionated Microbeam Analysis of Tissue-sparing Effect for Spermatogenesis. Radiat Res 2021; 194:698-706. [PMID: 33348374 DOI: 10.1667/rade-19-00018.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Spatially fractionated radiation therapy (SFRT) has been based on the delivery of a single high-dose fraction to a large treatment area that has been divided into several smaller fields, reducing the overall toxicity and adverse effects. Complementary microbeam studies have also shown an effective tissue-sparing effect (TSE) in various tissue types and species after spatially fractionated irradiation at the microscale level; however, the underlying biological mechanism remains elusive. In the current study, using the combination of an ex vivo mouse spermatogenesis model and high-precision X-ray microbeams, we revealed the significant TSE for maintaining spermatogenesis after spatially fractionated microbeam irradiation. We used the following ratios of the irradiated to nonirradiated areas: 50:50, 150:50 and 350:50 µm-slit, where approximately 50, 75 and 87.5% of the sample was irradiated (using center-to-center distances of 100, 200 and 400 µm, respectively). We found that the 50 and 75% micro-slit irradiated testicular tissues showed an almost unadulterated TSE for spermatogenesis, whereas the 87.5% micro-slit irradiated tissues showed an incomplete TSE. This suggests that the TSE efficiency for spermatogenesis is dependent on the size of the nonirradiated spermatogonial stem cell pool in the irradiated testicular tissues. In addition, there would be a spatiotemporal limitation of stem cell migration/competition, resulting in the insufficient TSE for 87.5% micro-slit irradiated tissues. These stem cell characteristics are essential for the accurate prediction of tissue-level responses during or after SFRT, indicating the clinical potential for achieving better outcomes while preventing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisanori Fukunaga
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.,Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura 247-8533, Japan
| | - Kiichi Kaminaga
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Tokai 319-1106, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - Ritsuko Watanabe
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Tokai 319-1106, Japan
| | - Noriko Usami
- Photon Factory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba 305-0801, Japan
| | - Takehiko Ogawa
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Life Science, Yokohama City University Association of Medical Science, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Akinari Yokoya
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Tokai 319-1106, Japan
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
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Jackson SA, Prise KM. 125 years of BJR and radiological research: reflecting on the anniversary series in celebration of the world's oldest radiology journal. Br J Radiol 2021; 94:bjr20219001. [PMID: 33305997 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20219001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Jackson
- Peninsula Radiology Academy, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G, Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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46
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Russell E, McMahon SJ, Russell B, Mohamud H, McGarry CK, Schettino G, Prise KM. Effects of Gadolinium MRI Contrast Agents on DNA Damage and Cell Survival when Used in Combination with Radiation. Radiat Res 2020; 194:298-309. [PMID: 32942305 DOI: 10.1667/rade-20-00008.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Gadolinium is a commonly used contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The goal of this work was to determine how MRI contrast agents affect radiosensitivity for tumour cells. Using a 225kVp X-ray cabinet source, immunofluorescence and clonogenic assays were performed on six cancer cell lines: lung (H460), pancreas (MiaPaCa2), prostate (DU145), breast (MCF7), brain (U87) and liver (HEPG2). Dotarem® contrast agent, at concentrations of 0.2, 2 and 20 mM, was used to determine its effect on DNA damage and cell survival. Measurements were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the amount of gadolinium taken up by each cell line for each concentration. A statistically significant increase in DNA damage was seen for all cell lines at a dose of 1 Gy for concentrations of 2 and 20 mM, at 1 h postirradiation. At 24 h postirradiation, most of the DNA damage had been repaired, with approximately 90% repair for almost all doses of radiation and concentrations of Dotarem. Clonogenic results showed no statistically significant decrease in cell survival for any cell line or concentration. Uptake measurements showed cell line-specific variations in uptake, with MCF7 and HEPG2 cells having a high percentage uptake compared to other cell lines, with 151.4 ± 0.3 × 10-15 g and 194.8 ± 0.4 × 10-15 g per cell, respectively, at 2 mM Dotarem concentration. In this work, a variability in gadolinium uptake was observed between cell lines. A significant increase was seen in initial levels of DNA damage after 1 Gy irradiation for all six cancer cell lines; however, no significant decrease in cell survival was seen with the clonogenic assay. The observation of high levels of repair suggest that while initial levels of DNA damage are increased, this damage is almost entirely repaired within 24 h, and does not affect the ability of cells to survive and produce colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Russell
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.,National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Russell
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Hibaaq Mohamud
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom.,Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Schettino
- National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom.,University of Surrey, Department of Physics, Guilford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7AE, United Kingdom
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47
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Jeggo PA, Martin SG, Williams KJ, Prise KM. Advances in Radiation Biology - Highlights from the 16th ICRR special feature: introductory editorial. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20209006. [PMID: 33094649 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20209006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Penny A Jeggo
- Genome Damage and Stability Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, UK
| | - Stewart G Martin
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kaye J Williams
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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Schuemann J, Bagley AF, Berbeco R, Bromma K, Butterworth KT, Byrne HL, Chithrani BD, Cho SH, Cook JR, Favaudon V, Gholami YH, Gargioni E, Hainfeld JF, Hespeels F, Heuskin AC, Ibeh UM, Kuncic Z, Kunjachan S, Lacombe S, Lucas S, Lux F, McMahon S, Nevozhay D, Ngwa W, Payne JD, Penninckx S, Porcel E, Prise KM, Rabus H, Ridwan SM, Rudek B, Sanche L, Singh B, Smilowitz HM, Sokolov KV, Sridhar S, Stanishevskiy Y, Sung W, Tillement O, Virani N, Yantasee W, Krishnan S. Roadmap for metal nanoparticles in radiation therapy: current status, translational challenges, and future directions. Phys Med Biol 2020; 65:21RM02. [PMID: 32380492 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab9159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This roadmap outlines the potential roles of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) in the field of radiation therapy. MNPs made up of a wide range of materials (from Titanium, Z = 22, to Bismuth, Z = 83) and a similarly wide spectrum of potential clinical applications, including diagnostic, therapeutic (radiation dose enhancers, hyperthermia inducers, drug delivery vehicles, vaccine adjuvants, photosensitizers, enhancers of immunotherapy) and theranostic (combining both diagnostic and therapeutic), are being fabricated and evaluated. This roadmap covers contributions from experts in these topics summarizing their view of the current status and challenges, as well as expected advancements in technology to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schuemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
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Alshehri AHD, Osman SOS, Prise KM, Campfield C, Turner PG, Jain SFP, O'Sullivan JM, Cole AJ. A novel tool for improving the interpretation of isotope bone scans in metastatic prostate cancer. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20200775. [PMID: 32880475 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The isotope bone scan (IBS) is the gold-standard imaging modality for detecting skeletal metastases as part of prostate cancer staging. However, its clinical utility for assessing skeletal metastatic burden is limited due to the need for subjective interpretation. We designed and tested a novel custom software tool, the Metastatic Bone Scan Tool (MetsBST), aimed at improving interpretation of IBSs, and compared its performance with that of an established software programme. METHODS We used IBS images from 62 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and suspected bone metastases to design and implement MetsBST in MATLAB by defining thresholds used to identify the texture and size of metastatic bone lesions. The results of MetsBST were compared with those of the commercially available automated Bone Scan Index (aBSI) with regression analysis. RESULTS There was strong agreement between the MetsBST and aBSI results (R2 = 0.9189). In a subregional analysis, MetsBST quantified the extent of metastatic disease in multiple bone sites in patients receiving multimodality therapy (radium-223 and external beam radiotherapy) to illustrate the differences in bone metastatic response to different treatments. CONCLUSION The results of MetsBST and the commercial software aBSI were highly consistent. MetsBST introduces novel clinical utility by its ability to differentiate between the responses of different bone metastases to multimodality therapies. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE MetsBST reduces the variability in assessment of tumour burden caused by subjective interpretation. Therefore, it is a useful aid to physicians reporting nuclear medicine scans, and may improve decision-making in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H D Alshehri
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK.,Nuclear Medicine department, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Sarah O S Osman
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK.,Radiotherapy Physics, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK
| | - Caoimhghin Campfield
- Nuclear Medicine department, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - P G Turner
- Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Suneil Frcr PhD Jain
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK.,Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Joe M O'Sullivan
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK.,Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - Aidan J Cole
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Belfast, UK.,Clinical Oncology, Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
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Griffin RJ, Prise KM, McMahon SJ, Zhang X, Penagaricano J, Butterworth KT. History and current perspectives on the biological effects of high-dose spatial fractionation and high dose-rate approaches: GRID, Microbeam & FLASH radiotherapy. Br J Radiol 2020; 93:20200217. [PMID: 32706989 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20200217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of various forms of ionising radiation are known to be mediated by interactions with cellular and molecular targets in irradiated and in some cases non-targeted tissue volumes. Despite major advances in advanced conformal delivery techniques, the probability of normal tissue complication (NTCP) remains the major dose-limiting factor in escalating total dose delivered during treatment. Potential strategies that have shown promise as novel delivery methods in achieving effective tumour control whilst sparing organs at risk involve the modulation of critical dose delivery parameters. This has led to the development of techniques using high dose spatial fractionation (GRID) and ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) which have translated to the clinic. The current review discusses the historical development and biological basis of GRID, microbeam and FLASH radiotherapy as advanced delivery modalities that have major potential for widespread implementation in the clinic in future years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Griffin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Stephen J McMahon
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Boston University Medical Centre, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose Penagaricano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Centre, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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