Micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes of cancer patients following fractionated partial-body radiotherapy.
We applied the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay to measure chromosome damage in lymphocytes of 11 cancer patients undergoing fractionated partial-body irradiation. Measurements performed before, during and after cessation of radiotherapy showed a dose-related increase in micronucleus frequency in each of the patients studied. When the results for micronucleus frequency (Y) were plotted against the estimated equivalent whole-body dose (X) the dose-response relationship obtained was Y = 75.8X + 49.5 (r = 0.783, P less than 0.0001). A general decline in MN frequency was observed during the post-treatment period down to 57 per cent (+/- 10) after 12 months but there was considerable variation between individuals. The advantages and disadvantages of the application of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay as a biological dosimeter for lymphocytes irradiated in vivo are discussed.
Fenech
M
M
CSIRO Division of Human Nutrition, Adelaide, South Australia.
Denham
J
J
Francis
W
W
Morley
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage