Inhibition of Glycolysis Enhances Radiation Therapy in Certain Cancer Cells

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have investigated the potential of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) to enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy in lung cancer cells. Their study, published in the International Journal of Oncology, reveals that inhibition of glycolysis may only be beneficial for radiation therapy in cancer cells expressing wild-type p53. The team found that p53-deficient lung cancer cells are more sensitive to 2DG treatment compared to p53 wild-type cells. Furthermore, 2DG treatment increases radiation-induced p53 protein levels in p53 wild-type cells, leading to a significant radiosensitization effect.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrates that 2DG treatment enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy in p53 wild-type lung cancer cells, but not in p53-deficient cells.
  • The effective doses of 2DG for p53 wild-type and deficient cells are 17.25 and 4.61 mM, respectively.
  • Treatment with 2DG increases radiation-induced p53 protein levels in p53 wild-type cells.
  • Ectopic expression of wild-type p53 in p53-deficient cells significantly enhances the radiosensitization effect of 2DG.
  • In nude mice injected with p53 wild-type cells, treatment with 2DG enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy.
  • The study highlights the importance of p53 status in determining the response to 2DG treatment and radiation therapy.

Statistics:

  • The effective doses of 2DG for p53 wild-type and deficient cells are 17.25 and 4.61 mM, respectively.
  • p53 wild-type cells (A549) exhibit a significant radiosensitization effect when treated with 2DG, while p53-deficient cells (H358) do not.
  • In nude mice injected with p53 wild-type cells (A549), treatment with 2DG enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy.

Sources:

  • Sinthupibulyakit, C., et al. "Inhibition of glycolysis enhances radiation therapy in certain cancer cells." International Journal of Oncology 35.3 (2009): 609-615.
  • University of Kentucky, Medical Department.
  • Cancer Weekly editors. "Inhibition of Glycolysis Enhances Radiation Therapy in Certain Cancer Cells." Cancer Weekly, 2009.