Skin fibroblasts in vitro radiosensitivity can predict for late complications following AVM radiosurgery.
OBJECTIVE
A small proportion of patients undergoing radiotherapy display heightened normal tissue reactions. We have set out to determine whether this sensitivity is genetic in nature and can be assessed using an in vitro skin fibroblast assay in order to predict and avoid excessive normal tissue complications.


METHODS
In this study we compared five arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients who were treated with radiotherapy and showed severe normal tissue reactions (necrosis) to two AVM patients who showed normal reactions. Fibroblasts taken from patients were cultured in vitro and irradiated.


RESULTS
The results showed that the fibroblasts from the sensitive patients were also more radiosensitive in vitro than the cells from the normally responding patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest underlying genetic radiosensitivity and that such an assay may be used for prediction of severe radiosensitivity in AVM patients.
Raaphorst
Gijsbert Peter
GP
Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, 503 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 1C4, Canada.
Malone
Shawn
S
Alsbeih
Ghazi
G
Souhani
Louis
L
Szumacher
Eva
E
Girard
Andre
A
D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004260:DNA Repair; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000235:genetics; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology