Treatment of glioma

A chemotherapeutic agent (cisplatinum) is injected into rats with a brain tumour (glioma). They are then exposed to synchrotron X-rays at an energy chosen to target cisplatinum. This produces further DNA damage in tumour cells. These experiments give spectacular results and may pave the way for a better treatment
of such cancers in humans.

A significant percentage of rats survived after the synchrotron radiotherapy treatment. New treatment (blue zones), compared to previous therapeutic approaches (yellow and red zones).

Further information:

• New clues for brain cancer treatment at the ESRF

• Prolonged survival of Fischer rats bearing F98 glioma after iodine-enhanced synchrotron stereotactic radiotherapy

• Synchrotron Photoactivation of Platinum Against Brain Tumours

• Ref.: M.-C. Biston et al., Cancer Res. 64 2317-2323 (2004).