Cell cycle perturbations and radiosensitization effects in a human prostate cancer cell line.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that radiation-induced, transient G2/M arrest could potentially sensitize tumor cells to a subsequent, well-timed radiation dose.

Methods: PC-3 human prostate cancer cells were treated using either radiotherapy or (186)Re-labeled hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate ((186)Re-HEDP) treatment in different combinations. The resulting cell cycle shift and clonogenic cell death were analyzed by DNA flow cytometry and colony forming cell assay, respectively.