Chemoradiation interactions under reduced oxygen conditions: Cellular characteristics of an in vitro model

Received 16 February 2009; received in revised form 19 May 2009; accepted 25 May 2009. published online 19 June 2009.

Abstract

Hypoxic tumour regions often contain viable cells that are more resistant to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, making it of key importance to analyse new combination treatments under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In this study, the impact of moderate hypoxia and anoxia on cellular characteristics was investigated in isogenic A549 cells differing in p53 status. VEGF expression, doubling time, cell cycle distribution, induction of apoptosis and p53 protein expression were evaluated. Radiation survival curves yielded an oxygen enhancement ratio of 1.16–1.67. In conclusion, an in vitro hypoxia model that will be highly useful to analyse chemoradiation interactions is presented.

Keywords: Hypoxia, p53, Cell cycle, Apoptosis, Radioresistance

a Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium

b Department of Radiotherapy, University Radiotherapy Antwerp (URA), Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium

c Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium

Corresponding author. Address: Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Building T3.11, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium. Tel.: +32 (0)3 265 25 76; fax: +32 (0)3 825 05 64.

PII: S0304-3835(09)00379-6

doi:10.1016/j.canlet.2009.05.026

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