Modulation of rodent spinal cord radiation tolerance by administration of platelet-derived growth factor

Journal Article · Mon Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2004 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.07.703· OSTI ID:20630963

Andratschke, Nicolaus H ^[1]; Nieder, Carsten M.D. ^[2]; Price, Roger E ^[3]; Rivera, Belinda ^[3]; Tucker, Susan L ^[4]; Ang, K ^[1]

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1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (United States)
2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich (Germany)
3. Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (United States)
4. Department of Biomathematics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX (United States)

Purpose: To examine the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) for ameliorating radiation myelopathy of the cervical spinal cord in a rodent model. Methods and materials: After developing the technique for cannulation of the basal cistern, initial animal experiments were conducted to test the feasibility of intrathecal continuous infusion of PDGF in a model of cervical spinal cord irradiation in adult Fisher F-344 rats and to determine the most effective dose level of PDGF. Subsequently, the dose-modification factor was determined in a larger group of rats. Irradiation was given in 2 fractions (16 Gy followed by 14-24 Gy) and animals were examined for the development of paresis. Results: The initial dose-finding experiment revealed significant differences in the incidence of radiation myelopathy (100% in saline-treated control rats, 25% with the most effective dose of PDGF, up to 100% with less effective doses). The most effective dose of PDGF was 0.014 {mu}g per day. Subsequent experiments revealed a median effective dose (ED{sub 50}) of 35.6 Gy (95% confidence interval, 34.7-36.5 Gy) for animals receiving this dose of PDGF in contrast to 33.8 Gy (33.4-34.3 Gy) for the control group (p = 0.003). The dose-modification factor obtained with this dose of PDGF was 1.05. Conclusions: Intrathecal administration of PDGF concomitant to irradiation of the cervical spinal cord in rats was feasible. Treatment with PDGF significantly increased the tolerance of the spinal cord. The PDGF experiments should be viewed as a proof of principle that brief therapeutic intervention in the earliest phase of damage induction can reduce late effects in the spinal cord. They form the basis for further studies of growth factor administration in this particular model.

• OSTI ID: 20630963
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 60; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
GROWTH FACTORS
INFUSION
IRRADIATION
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOTHERAPY
RATS
SPINAL CORD
TOLERANCE