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Ultra-hyper-fractionated radiotherapy for high-grade gliomas
Guido Frosina1, Vincenzo Fontana2, Daniela Verzola3
1Mutagenesis & Cancer Prevention, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|November 8, 2021
Summary
New ultra-hyper-fractionated radiation therapy (RT) using low doses (≤0.5 Gy) significantly improved survival in animal models of high-grade gliomas (HGGs). This approach may overcome tumor resistance and enhance HGG treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) in HGGs is observed in vitro but difficult to translate to animal models.
- Accurate HGG animal models are crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel radiotherapeutic (RT) schedules for HGGs.
- To significantly improve overall survival in faithful HGG animal models.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of ultra-hyper-fractionation (ultra-hyper-FRT) in HGG.
Main Methods:
- Utilized primary glioma initiating cell (GIC)-driven orthotopic animal models.
- Investigated the effects of low radiation doses (≤0.5 Gy) per fraction.
- Compared ultra-hyper-FRT (≤0.5 Gy twice weekly) to standard RT fractions.
- Initiated RT at early stages of tumor progression.
Main Results:
- Ultra-hyper-FRT significantly improved RT effectiveness and animal survival compared to standard fractions.
- Low-dose fractions (≤0.5 Gy) may overcome HGG tumor resistance mechanisms.
- Improved survival was observed with RT fractions ≤0.5 Gy at the same cumulative dose.
Conclusions:
- Ultra-hyper-FRT shows promise for enhancing HGG treatment.
- This approach may offer a strategy to overcome radioresistance in HGG.
- Clinical investigation of ultra-hyper-FRT schedules is warranted to extend current HGG treatment protocols.
