Summary
- Researchers conducted an experiment to explore the effect of boron treatment with radiation therapy for patients with prostate cancer.
- Boron was added to the media as a potential treatment agent using two forms of sodium mercaptododecaborate.
- Cells were irradiated with proton beams at specific positions on the Bragg curve to deliver doses up to 8 Gy, with calculations and verification done using state-of-the-art equipment.
- Photon irradiations were also conducted using linac photon beams of 6 or 18 MV at a hospital in Prague.
- Cell survival assays were performed after irradiation, and statistical analysis was used to assess the impact of boron presence on cell survival, with a focus on dose modifying factor calculations.
An experiment has been carried out using prostate cancer cells and brain tumor cells in a lab to study the effects of boron and radiation therapy. Cells were grown in a special medium in flasks in an incubator with controlled temperature and carbon dioxide levels. Boron was added to some of the samples using two different forms of sodium mercaptododecaborate.
The cells were exposed to proton radiation at two different positions on the proton beam, known as the plateau and the Bragg peak. The doses of radiation were carefully calculated and adjusted using specialized equipment. The researchers also conducted photon radiation experiments using a linear accelerator. The cells were irradiated multiple times to ensure accurate results.
After irradiation, the cells were washed and counted before being reseeded in plates for further incubation. The colonies that grew were then stained and counted to determine the cell survival fraction. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the survival curves of cells with and without boron, using a mathematical model to fit the data.
The researchers calculated the dose modifying factor of boron, which is the ratio of doses with and without the presence of boron. This factor helps determine the effectiveness of boron in enhancing the effects of radiation therapy. The results showed that boron had a significant impact on cell survival, especially at the Bragg peak position for proton therapy.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of combining boron with radiation therapy to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The researchers’ findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of cancer research and treatment.
In conclusion, the experiments conducted by the researchers shed light on the interactions between boron, radiation therapy, and cancer cells. The results highlight the importance of further exploring the potential of boron in enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cancer treatment. This research opens up new possibilities for improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of oncology.
Oncology