Autophagic flux in glioblastoma cells.

To establish metabolic context for radiation sensitivity by measuring autophagic flux in two different glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. Clonogenic survival curve analysis of U87 or U251 cells exposed to γ radiation, fast neutrons, a mixed energy neutron beam (METNB) or Auger electrons from a gadolinium neutron capture (GdNC) reaction suggested other factors, beyond a defective DNA damage response, contribute to cell death of U251 cells. Altered tumor metabolism (autophagy) was hypothesized as a factor in U251 cells' clonogenic response.

Boron neutron capture in prostate cancer cells.

A modified enhanced thermal neutron beam (METNB) assembly at Fermilab was used to irradiate borylphenylalanine (BPA) treated human prostate cancer cells, DU 145. Acceptable cellular uptake levels of BPA and no BPA cytotoxicity were observed. In the absence of BPA, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the METNB was determined to be 2.

Gadolinium neutron capture in glioblastoma multiforme cells.

Purpose: A proof of principle for cell killing by Gadolinium (Gd) neutron capture in Magnevist preloaded Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells is provided.

Materials And Methods: U87cells were pre-loaded with 5 mg/ml Magnevist (Gd containing compound) and irradiated using an enhanced neutron beam developed at NIU Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab. These experiments were possible because of an enhanced fast neutron therapy assembly designed to use the fast neutron beam at Fermilab to deliver a neutron beam containing a greater fraction of thermal neutrons and because of the development of improved calculations for dose for the enhanced neutron beam.