Skin fibroblasts in vitro radiosensitivity can predict for late complications following AVM radiosurgery.

Abstract

A small proportion of patients undergoing radiotherapy display heightened normal tissue reactions. We have set out to determine whether this sensitivity is genetic in nature and can be assessed using an in vitro skin fibroblast assay in order to predict and avoid excessive normal tissue complications. In this study we compared five arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients who were treated with radiotherapy and showed severe normal tissue reactions (necrosis) to two AVM patients who showed normal reactions. Fibroblasts taken from patients were cultured in vitro and irradiated. The results showed that the fibroblasts from the sensitive patients were also more radiosensitive in vitro than the cells from the normally responding patients. The results suggest underlying genetic radiosensitivity and that such an assay may be used for prediction of severe radiosensitivity in AVM patients.