Combined Effect of Iodine Contrast Media, Cisplatin and External Beam Radiotherapy on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells.

INTRODUCTION: The current study investigated the combination of high Z atoms (iodine-, platinium-based drugs) with using low energy irradiation (120kvp) in Anaplastic Thyroid cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, eight groups were designed: control (CNT), different concentrations of Iodine contrast media (ICM), irradiation with various doses, Cis-platin (CDDP) with different concentrations, (ICM + CDDP), (ICM + RAD), (CDDP + RAD) and (ICM + CDDP + RAD). The viability was measured by MTT and Colony assay. In MTT assay, the viability of 8305c cells RAD (2 Gy)+ICM (10mg/mL) group was significantly lower than those treated with RAD or ICM alone. CDDP +ICM+RAD group significantly decreased the viability. In colony assay, cells in ICM + RAD (2 Gy) group reduced the number of colonies more significant than RAD group. The difference of colony forming ability between CDDP and CDDP + RAD (2 Gy) was significant. The difference of ICM + CDDP + RAD (2 Gy) and CDDP +RAD (2 Gy) group was significant. All data were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Chafe's multi-comparisons tests. All data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 16). Significance was considered to be p<0.05. RESULTS: In MTT assay, the viability of 8305c cells RAD (2 Gy) + ICM (10mg/mL) group was significantly lower than those treated with RAD or ICM alone. CDDP + ICM + RAD group significantly decreased the viability. In colony assay, cells in ICM + RAD (2 Gy) group reduced the number of colonies more significantly than RAD group. The difference of colony forming ability between CDDP and CDDP + RAD (2 Gy) was significant. The difference of ICM + CDDP + RAD (2 Gy) and CDDP + RAD (2 Gy) group was significant. CONCLUSION: Exposure of ATC to ICM in the presence of CDDP increases tissue X-rays absorbance by Auger electrons and photo electrons leading to more fatal effects against the tumour.

The protective effects of melatonin on blood cell counts of rectal cancer patients following radio-chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the radioprotective effects of melatonin on the blood cell counts of patients with rectum cancer undergoing radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 rectal cancer patients who were referred to Rajaii Hospital of Babolsar, Iran. An equal number of patients were randomly assigned to the control group which received placebo and study group which received 20 mg melatonin a day as an intervention. The melatonin was administered 5 days a week for 28 days. Blood samples were taken before melatonin received on day 1 and also day 28; then, to measure the changes in blood cell counts representing our primary outcomes, the samples were analyzed by Sysmex K810i auto-analyzer. RESULTS: Our results showed that the platelet, white blood cells, lymphocyte, and neutrophil population reduction induced by radiotherapy were slighter or even insignificant in melatonin recipients compared to control. However, the difference between red blood cells in both groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our results are indicating that melatonin could prevent or minimize the unfavorable effects of radiotherapy on blood cell count reductions by attenuating the adverse influence of radiation, probably through stimulation of cellular antioxidant potential as previously reported in animal models. IRANIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS (IRCT): Registry No. IRCT2016021626586N1.

Oral Administration of Vitamin C, Cimetidine and Famotidine on Micronuclei Induced by Low Dose Radiation in Mouse Bone Marrow Cells.

BACKGROUND: In many studies, chemicals and natural materials were tested to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. It is known that Famotidine and vitamin C reduce DNA damage. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of vitamin C, Cimetidine and Famotidine on gamma-radiation-induced damage on mouse bone marrow. METHODS: Six-to-seven week male NMRI mice (28 g ±3) were randomly divided into fourteen groups: control, 2Gy irradiation, six group drugs without irradition (Famotidine, Cimetidine, vitaminC, Fam-Cim, Fam-Vit, Cim-Vit), six groups received drugs and 2Gy radiation with a 60Co |γ|-ray source at room temperature 22 ± 2 °C. The mice were killed 48 hours after irradiation by cervical dislocation. Slides were prepared from bone marrow cells and stained in May-Granwald and Giemsa. Finally, the cells were counted with microscope, frequencies of polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE), normochoromatic erythrocyte (NCE) and their micronuclated cell were recorded. PCE / PCE + NCE were calculated. RESULTS: There were significant differences of MNPCE/1000PCE, MNNCE/1000NCE and PCE/PCE+NCE among different groups with similar radiation doses (p≤0.01). Moreover, there were significant differences of MNPCE/1000PCE and PCE/PCE+NCE among different doses of radiation (p≤0.01). While considering MNNCE/1000NCE, there were no significant differences among silimar groups with radiation dose (p˃0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of Famotidine, vitamin C and Cimetidine demonstrate reliable and similar radioprotective effects. Additionally, the protective effect of single use of these drugs was similar to the combination form. Thus, the oral use of combination, 48 hours after irradiation cannot induce more radioprotective effect.

Evaluation of Radiation Exposure to Staff and Environment Dose from [18F]-FDG in PET/CT and Cyclotron Center using Thermoluminescent Dosimetry.

BACKGROUND: PET/CT imaging using [18F]-FDG is utilized in clinical oncology for tumor detecting, staging and responding to therapy procedures. Essential consideration must be taken for radiation staff due to high gamma radiation in PET/CT and cyclotron center. The aim of this study was to assess the staff exposure regarding whole body and organ dose and to evaluate environment dose in PET/CT and cyclotron center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 80 patients participated in this study. Thermoluminescence, electronic personal dosimeter and Geiger-Muller dosimeter were also utilized for measurement purpose. RESULTS: The mean annual equivalent organ dose for scanning operator with regard to lens of eyes, thyroid, breast and finger according to mean±SD value, were 0.262±0.044, 0.256±0.046, 0.257±0.040 and 0.316±0.118, respectively. The maximum and minimum estimated annual whole body doses were observed for injector and the chemist group with values of (3.98±0.021) mSv/yr and (1.64±0.014) mSv/yr, respectively. The observed dose rates were 5.67 µSv/h in uptake room at the distance of 0.5 meter from the patient whereas the value 4.94 and 3.08 µSv/h were recorded close to patient's head in PET/CT room and 3.5 meter from the reception desk. CONCLUSION: In this study, the injector staff and scanning operator received the first high level and second high level of radiation. This study confirmed that low levels of radiation dose were received by all radiation staff during PET/CT procedure using 18F-FDG due to efficient shielding and using trained radiation staff in PET/CT and cyclotron center of Masih Daneshvari hospital.

Radioprotective Effects of Sulfur-containing Mineral Water of Ramsar Hot Spring with High Natural Background Radiation on Mouse Bone Marrow Cells.

BACKGROUND: We intend to study the inhibitory effect of sulfur compound in Ramsar hot spring mineral on tumor-genesis ability of high natural background radiation. OBJECTIVE: The radioprotective effect of sulfur compounds was previously shown on radiation-induced chromosomal aberration, micronuclei in mouse bone marrow cells and human peripheral lymphocyte. Ramsar is known for having the highest level of natural background radiation on Earth. This study was performed to show the radioprotective effect of sulfur-containing Ramsar mineral water on mouse bone marrow cells. METHOD: Mice were fed three types of water (drinking water, Ramsar radioactive water containing sulfur and Ramsar radioactive water whose sulfur was removed). Ten days after feeding, mice were irradiated by gamma rays (0, 2 and 4 Gy). 48 and 72 hours after irradiating, mice were killed and femurs were removed. Frequency of micronuclei was determined in bone marrow erythrocytes. RESULTS: A significant reduction was shown in the rate of micronuclei polychromatic erythrocyte in sulfur-containing hot spring water compared to sulfur-free water in hot spring mineral water. Gamma irradiation induced significant increases in micronuclei polychromatic erythrocyte (MNPCE) and decreases in polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic erythrocyte + normochromatic erythrocyte ratio (PCEs/PCEs+NCEs) (P < 0.001) in sulfur-containing hot spring water compared to sulfur-free hot spring mineral water. Also, apparently there was a significant difference between drinking water and sulfur-containing hot spring water in micronuclei polychromatic erythrocyte and polychromatic erythrocyte/polychromatic erythrocyte+ normochromatic erythrocyte ratio. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that sulfur-containing mineral water could result in a significant reduction in radiation-induced micronuclei representing the radioprotective effect of sulfur compounds.

Local-Reference Patient Dose Evaluation in Conventional Radiography Examinations in Mazandaran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The most efficient application of ionizing radiation is serving medical purposes and using this radiation has caused people to learn that artificial sources of radiation exposure among these resources can be of highest exposure rate. OBIECTIVE: The present study is aimed at initially establishing a baseline for local-reference dose level in Mazandaran, Iran in 12 projections of the most conventional x-ray examination. METHODS: In this study, 13 public hospitals in Mazandaran province were selected for review and required data collected for ten adult patients with mean weight of 70±10kg in each projection. Then, information of each center was separately analyzed. Next, in order to measure x-ray output tube, the dosimeter RTI model Barracuda calibrated has been applied for measuring air karma within energy rage of 40-150kvp. ESAK and ESD parameters, usually used for monitoring DRL in conventional radiography, were calculated. RESULTS: Mean ESDs in this study has been obtained to 1.47±0.98 for skull (PA/AP), 1.01±0.79 for skull (LAT), 0.67±0.38 for cervical spine (AP), 0.79±0.37 for cervical (LAT), 0.49±0.38 for chest (PA/AP), 1.06±0.44 for chest (LAT), 2.15±0.73 for thoracic spine (AP), 3±0.87 for thoracic spine (LAT), 2.81 ±0.82 for lumbar spine (AP), 4.28±0.78 for lumbar (LAT), 2.07±1.17 for abdomen and 1.90±0.99 for pelvis, respectively. The ESDs calculated for chest examination in both projections, PA and LAT are more than values recommended by the UK (2000), Brazil and Slovenia. CONCLUSION: The present study has determined wide variations in radiation dose of x-ray examinations among hospitals in Mazandaran, Iran. In order to reduce skin dose, an optimization procedure should be considered. Application of a reference dose (DRL) could be a practical method for this purpose. The role of optimization of radiography parameters for reducing patient dose is a significant issue. Through optimizing parameters, it would be possible to preserve image quality while reduction of patient dose.

Dose Assessment in Computed Tomography Examination and Establishment of Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Mazandaran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Medical X-rays are the largest man-made source of public exposure to ionizing radiation. While the benefits of Computed Tomography (CT) are well known in accurate diagnosis, those benefits are not risk-free. CT is a device with higher patient dose in comparison with other conventional radiation procedures. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at evaluating radiation dose to patients from Computed Tomography (CT) examination in Mazandaran hospitals and defining diagnostic reference level (DRL). METHODS: Patient-related data on CT protocol for four common CT examinations including brain, sinus, chest and abdomen & pelvic were collected. In each center, Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) measurements were performed using pencil ionization chamber and CT dosimetry phantom according to AAPM report No. 96 for those techniques. Then, Weighted Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDIW), Volume Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI vol) and Dose Length Product (DLP) were calculated. RESULTS: The CTDIw for brain, sinus, chest and abdomen & pelvic ranged (15.6-73), (3.8-25. 8), (4.5-16.3) and (7-16.3), respectively. Values of DLP had a range of (197.4-981), (41.8-184), (131-342.3) and (283.6-486) for brain, sinus, chest and abdomen & pelvic, respectively. The 3rd quartile of CTDIW, derived from dose distribution for each examination is the proposed quantity for DRL. The DRLs of brain, sinus, chest and abdomen & pelvic are measured 59.5, 17, 7.8 and 11 mGy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrated large scales of dose for the same examination among different centers. For all examinations, our values were lower than international reference doses.