Modification of low dose of neutron induced chromosomal damage by pre and post irradiation of hyperthermia in human blood lymphocytes

Background: It is believed that a few number of hypoxic cells in the center of tumors may survive after radiotherapy by X and Y-rays. Recently, application of neutron and compound radiation is the center of attention of radiotherapy modalities. Objective: To investigate the effect of hyperthermia on low dose of neutron induced chromosomal damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Methods: Each blood sample was separately exposed to hyperthermia, neutron radiation and radiation accompanying hyperthermia. Different type of damage was investigated after cell culture and chromosome analysis at metaphase stage. Findings: After harvesting and staining, chromosomal aberrations were scored for each specimen. Results indicated that hyperthermia at 41.5°C does not induce chromosomal damage but at 43°C, high frequency of damages were observed (P<0.05). Irradiation of cells with 6 cGy neutron produced high frequency of damages. The frequency of damages increased (P<0.05) and was more prevalent applying hyperthermia after neutron irradiation. Conclusion: Hyperthermia may be effected in inhibition of repair of neutron radiation damages. Frequency of chromosomal aberrations increased parallel to the increased duration of hyperthermia. The results indicated that the application of post irradiated hyperthermia may be a suitable modality for cancer treatme