Effects of radiotherapy and estramustine on the microvasculature in malignant glioma
1999
Effects of Radiotherapy and Estramustine on Glioma Blood Vessels
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Johansson M, Bergenheim A T, Widmark A, Henriksson R
Primary Institution: Umeå University
Hypothesis
The study investigates the effects of fractionated radiotherapy and estramustine on angiogenesis in malignant glioma.
Conclusion
Fractionated radiotherapy decreases microvascular density in experimental malignant glioma, but this effect is counteracted by estramustine.
Supporting Evidence
- Radiotherapy decreased microvascular density to 157 vessels per mm2 compared to 217 vessels per mm2 in controls.
- Estramustine counteracted the anti-angiogenic effect of radiotherapy.
- Vessel size increased after estramustine treatment.
- VEGF expression was increased in the center of the tumors five days after radiotherapy.
Takeaway
This study found that while radiotherapy reduces blood vessels in brain tumors, a drug called estramustine can help keep those blood vessels from disappearing.
Methodology
The study used an intracerebral rat glioma model and assessed tumor microvascular density and VEGF expression after treatment.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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