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Kaul D, Ehret F, Roohani S, Jendrach M, Buthut M, Acker G, Anwar M, Zips D, Heppner F, Prüss H. Radiation Therapy in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:23-41. [PMID: 38042449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pathophysiological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Recent studies also demonstrated a role of neuroinflammation in the progression of the disease. Clinical trials and animal studies using low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) have shown therapeutic potential for AD. This systematic review summarizes the current evidence on the use of LDRT for the treatment of AD, outlines potential mechanisms of action, and discusses current challenges in the planning of future trials. METHODS AND MATERIALS A systematic review of human and animal studies as well as registered clinical trials describing outcomes for RT in the treatment of AD was conducted. We followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles published until July 1, 2023, were included. RESULTS The initial search yielded 993 articles. After the removal of duplicates and ineligible publications, a total of 16 (12 animal, 4 human) studies were included. Various dose regimens were utilized in both animal and human trials. The results revealed that LDRT reduced the number of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and it has a role in the regulation of genes and protein expression involved in the pathological progression of AD. LDRT has demonstrated reduced astro- and microgliosis, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and an alleviation of symptoms of cognitive deficits in animal models. Most studies in humans suggested improvements in cognition and behavior. None of the trials or studies described significant (>grade 2) toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Preclinical studies, animal studies, and early clinical trials in humans have shown a promising role for LDRT in the treatment of AD pathologies, although the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully explored. Phase I/II/III trials are needed to assess the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment parameters of LDRT in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kaul
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Felix Ehret
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Siyer Roohani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Jendrach
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Buthut
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Güliz Acker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Muneeba Anwar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Heppner
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Dunlap NE, Friedland RP, Cai L. Alzheimer's disease and low-dose radiation therapy: A new hope. Radiat Med Prot 2024; 5:1-6. [PMID: 38585336 PMCID: PMC10997373 DOI: 10.1016/j.radmp.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of low-dose radiation (LDR)-induced hormetic responses was initially observed approximately 70 years ago and systematically reviewed along with the discovery of LDR-induced adaptive responses in a cytogenetic in vitro study in 1980s. By the end of the 1990s, discussions regarding the potential applications of LDR-induced hormesis and adaptive responses for preventing or treating chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) had taken place. Until 2016, reports on radiotherapy for the subjects with AD and for genetic AD model mice were published. Subsequently, several preclinical studies with animal models of AD and clinical studies in AD subjects were conducted. A significant milestone was achieved with the online availability of a new Systematic Review based on qualified publications from these preclinical and clinical studies. This mini-review provides a concise historical introduction to LDR-induced hormesis and adaptive responses with discussion of AD radiotherapy with either LDR or relatively high dose radiation. Highlights of this Systematic Review cover promising outcomes, challenges, and new questions, followed by discussion of potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal E. Dunlap
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Robert P. Friedland
- Department of Neurology, The University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Lu Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
- Pediatric Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
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Rogers CL, Lageman SK, Fontanesi J, Wilson GD, Boling PA, Bansal S, Karis JP, Sabbagh M, Mehta MP, Harris TJ. Low-Dose Whole Brain Radiation Therapy for Alzheimer's Dementia: Results From a Pilot Trial in Humans. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:87-95. [PMID: 36935024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We report neurocognitive, imaging, ophthalmologic, and safety outcomes following low-dose whole brain radiation therapy (LD-WBRT) for patients with early Alzheimer dementia (eAD) treated in a pilot trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS Trial-enrolled patients were at least 55 years of age, had eAD meeting NINCDS-ADRDA (National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke-Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association) Alzheimer's Criteria with confirmatory fluorodeoxyglucose and florbetapir positron emission tomography findings; had the capacity to complete neurocognitive function, psychological function, and quality-of-life assessments; had a Rosen modified Hachinski score ≤4; and had estimated survival >12 months. RESULTS Five patients were treated with LD-WBRT (2 Gy × 5 over 1 week; 3 female; mean age, 73.2 years [range, 69-77]). Four of 5 patients had improved (n = 3) or stable (n = 1) Mini-Mental State Examination (second edition) T-scores at 1 year. The posttreatment scores of all 3 patients who improved increased to the average range. There were additional findings of stability of naming and other cognitive skills as well as stability to possible improvement in imaging findings. No safety issues were encountered. The only side effect was temporary epilation with satisfactory hair regrowth. CONCLUSIONS Our results from 5 patients with eAD treated with LD-WBRT (10 Gy in 5 fractions) demonstrate a positive safety profile and provide preliminary, hypothesis-generating data to suggest that this treatment stabilizes or improves cognition. These findings will require further evaluation in larger, definitive, randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Surbhi Bansal
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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