A Longitudinal Study of Individual Radiation Responses in Pediatric Patients Treated with Proton and Photon...

Area of Science:

• Radiation biology
• Pediatric oncology
• Molecular pathways

Background:

• Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac fluoroscopy and radiotherapy are exposed to ionizing radiation (IR).
• Understanding long-term health risks associated with IR exposure in children is crucial.
• The HARMONIC project addresses the need for improved knowledge on IR risks in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological response to IR in pediatric patients.
• To identify predictive biomarkers for individual susceptibility to long-term health risks from IR.
• To provide a mechanistic understanding of IR effects for improved patient management.

Main Methods:

• Prospective collection of biological samples at three time points: pre-exposure, end-of-exposure, and one year post-exposure.
• Estimation of whole-body dose, target organ dose, and out-of-field organ doses.
• Utilizing advanced analytical techniques including proteomics and miRNA transcriptomics, alongside bioinformatics and systems biology.

Main Results:

• The study design and methodology for investigating biological responses to IR in pediatric patients are detailed.
• The project aims to identify key molecular pathways and novel biomarkers associated with IR exposure.
• Integrated assessment of biological responses through high-resolution omics approaches.

Conclusions:

• The HARMONIC project will enhance the understanding of molecular pathways involved in pediatric IR response.
• Identification of predictive biomarkers may enable personalized risk assessment and management strategies.
• This research is vital for mitigating long-term health risks in children exposed to medical radiation.