Long-term neurocognitive benefits of FLASH radiotherapy driven by reduced reactive oxygen species.

ABSTRACT: Here, we highlight the potential translational benefits of delivering FLASH radiotherapy using ultra-high dose rates (>100 Gy⋅s^-1). Compared with conventional dose-rate (CONV; 0.07-0.1 Gy⋅s^-1) modalities, we showed that FLASH did not cause radiation-induced deficits in learning and memory in mice. Moreover, 6 months after exposure, CONV caused permanent alterations in neurocognitive end points, whereas FLASH did not induce behaviors characteristic of anxiety and depression and did not impair extinction memory. Mechanistic investigations showed that increasing the oxygen tension in the brain through carbogen breathing reversed the neuroprotective effects of FLASH, while radiochemical studies confirmed that FLASH produced lower levels of the toxic reactive oxygen specie

SUBMITTER: Montay-Gruel P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6561167 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature