Radiofrequency Field-Induced Radiosensitization Is Not Correlated with Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species

摘要

The capacity of radiofrequency fields (RFFs) to modulate radio sensitivity in a variety of cells may render them useful as noninvasive agents for potentiating radiotherapy. Because ionizing radiation exerts its biological effectiveness via mediation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), any agent that increases ROS burden in a cellular system can be expected to enhance the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation. Therefore, it would be of significant interest to determine whether RFF exposure influences ionizing radiation-induced ROS production. In this study, we use four human cell lines, namely, MeWo and Be11 (melanomas), DU145 (prostate carcinoma), and L132 (normal lung fibroblasts), to assess the role of RFF modulation of cellular production of ROS in altering radiosensitivity. We measure radiosensitivity and ROS activity using standard assays. Although RFF exposure seems to consistently increase radiation-induced ROS activity, the extent of enhanced ROS activity does not correlate with the degree of radiosensitization. To confirm the role of ROS in radiofrequency-mediated radiosensitization, a similar study of an expanded cohort of cell lines with a wider span of radiosensitivity is warranted.