Quantitative changes of metabolic and bioenergetic parameters in experimental tumors during fractionated irradiation.
Abstract Purpose: Previous studies with rat rhabdomyosarcomas indicate that during fractionated irradiation profound alterations of the tumor microvasculature and the oxygenation status occur when the total dose exceeds 45 Gy. At this dose a destruction which included all structures of the vessels and a significant worsening in tumor oxygenation were found. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether these effects of fractionated irradiation on the microvasculature and on tumor oxygenation also induce changes in the bioenergetic and metabolic status in the tumors during radiation treatment. Methods and Materials: R1H rhabdomyosarcomas of the rat implanted into the flank were irradia…