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The effect of simultaneous low-dose splenic irradiation on immune function during esophageal cancer radiotherapy
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X. Shi   , X. Nan , J. Ren , X. Zhang , X. Li , Y. Gao |
| Department of Radiotherapy, Beijing Luhe Hospital, affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100110, China , gyy2023@sina.com |
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Abstract: (150 Views) |
Background: The objective of this study was to examine the impact of synchronous low-dose splenic irradiation (LDSR) on immune function in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients who were diagnosed with esophageal cancer were randomly allocated to either the control or experimental groups. The control group received routine radiotherapy alone, whereas the experimental group underwent simultaneous LDSR during radiotherapy. Low dosage radiation refers to a beam with a low linear energy transfer (LET) that delivers a dose of 0.2 Gy or less, or a high LET beam that delivers a dose of 0.05 Gy or less, while maintaining an exposure dose rate of 0.005 cGy/min. The lymphocyte subsets in the two groups were analyzed using flow cytometry at various time points during and after treatment. Additionally, complications and their occurrence times were recorded simultaneously. Results: Gradual decreases were observed in CD16+CD56+, CD3+CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ ratios following radiotherapy in the control group (p < 0.05). However, no considerable differences were observed between the experimental groups in these ratios (p > 0.05). LDSR was found to induce immunological enhancement and counteract immune suppression caused by radiotherapy. Furthermore, the experimental group experienced larger cumulative dosages that led to problems compared to the control group, with a delayed onset. Despite receiving a higher cumulative dose, the experimental group exhibited lower levels of myelosuppression and radiation esophagitis than the control group (p < 0.05). Overall, the results suggest that synchronous LDSR can enhance immune function during radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer and reduce the adverse effects associated with routine radiotherapy. Conclusion: Synchronous LDSR may induce immunological enhancement during radiotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer, reduce adverse reactions to routine radiotherapy, and enhance tolerance. |
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| Keywords: Esophageal cancer, Immunity, Radiotherapy, Spleen, Lymphocytes. |
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Full-Text [PDF 863 kb]
(31 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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