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Stem Cell Transplantation Strategies for the Restoration of Cognitive Dysfunction Caused by Cranial Radiotherapy
Published on: October 18, 2011
Memory and survival after microbeam radiation therapy.
Elisabeth Schültke1, Bernhard H J Juurlink, Khalid Ataelmannan
1University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada. e.schultke@usask.ca
European Journal of Radiology
|July 11, 2008
Summary
Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) improves survival in brain tumor models. Glutamine supplementation enhanced memory function after MRT, while BSO had negative effects, offering insights for brain tumor treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
Background:
- Malignant brain tumors and brain radiotherapy can cause memory deficits.
- Synchrotron-based microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) shows potential for prolonging survival in preclinical brain tumor models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of MRT on survival and memory in two animal models of malignant brain tumors.
- To evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapies, buthionine-SR-sulfoximine (BSO) and glutamine, on outcomes after MRT.
Main Methods:
- Two animal models of malignant brain tumors were used.
- Animals received MRT with or without BSO or glutamine adjuvant therapy.
- Object recognition tests were conducted up to 1 year post-treatment to assess memory function.
Main Results:
- MRT significantly increased survival times in both tumor models, with or without adjuvant therapy.
- Buthionine-SR-sulfoximine (BSO) administration negatively impacted memory function post-MRT.
- Glutamine supplementation demonstrated improved memory function following MRT.
Conclusions:
- Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a viable treatment for prolonging survival in malignant brain tumor models.
- Adjuvant glutamine shows promise for mitigating memory deficits associated with MRT, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for brain tumor patients.
