Repeated photon and C-ion irradiations in vivo have different impact on alteration of tumor characteristics

Sci Rep. 2018 Jan 23;8(1):1458. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-19422-x.

Abstract

Precise characterization of tumor recurrence and regrowth after radiotherapy are important for prognostic understanding of the therapeutic effect. Here, we established a novel in vivo mouse model for evaluating the characteristics of regrown tumor after repeated photon and carbon ion (C-ion) irradiations. The results showed that tumor growth rate, lung metastasis, shortening of the survival of the tumor-bearing mice, and tumor microvessel formation were promoted 2- to 3-fold, and expression of angiogenic and metastatic genes increased 1.5- to 15-fold in regrown tumors after repeated photon irradiations, whereas repeated C-ion irradiations did not alter these characteristics. Interestingly, both repeated photon and C-ion irradiations did not generate radioresistance, which is generally acquired for in vitro treatment. Our results demonstrated that the repetition of photon, and not C-ion, irradiations in vivo alter the characteristics of the regrown tumor, making it more aggressive without acquisition of radioresistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / radiation effects
  • Cell Survival / radiation effects
  • Heavy Ion Radiotherapy / methods
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / etiology*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / radiotherapy*
  • Photons / adverse effects*