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Synchrotron-based photon activation therapy effect on cisplatin pre-treated human glioma stem cells
Cecilia Ceresa1, Gabriella Nicolini1, Sara Semperboni1
1Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
Background:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest cancers characterized by very limited sensitivity to chemo- and/or radiotherapy. The presence of GBM stem-like cells in the tumor might be relevant for GBM treatment resistance.
Aim:
To provide a proof-of-concept of the efficacy of photon activation therapy (PAT) using monochromatic synchrotron radiation (SR), in killing GBM stem cells pre-treated with cisplatin.
Materials And Methods:
Irradiation was performed using a 1-8 Gy dose range and energies just above or below the platinum K-shell edge (78.39 keV) or with a conventional X-ray source. Cells were exposed to drug concentrations allowing 90% cell survival, mimicking the unfavourable tissue distribution generally achieved in GMB patients.
Results:
a significant enhancement in cell lethality was observed using SR compared to conventional X-ray irradiation.
Conclusion:
PAT deserved to be further explored in in vivo models based on GBM stem-like cells.
