Changes in radiation sensitization induced by Fluosol-DA as measured by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Numerous agents have been studied in attempts to sensitize radioresistant hypoxic tumor cells. We have investigated the effect of Fluosol-DA plus carbogen (95% oxygen and 5% CO2) on the sensitivity of a radioresistant mammary carcinoma in C3H/He mice and also on tumor metabolism by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Statistically significant increases in phosphocreatine/Pi were noted for small- (150-350 mm3) and medium- (351-650 mm3) sized tumors treated with Fluosol-DA plus carbogen. Small tumors were shown to undergo significant radiosensitization in the presence of Fluosol-DA plus carbogen and medium-sized tumors showed a lesser degree of radiosensitization. Large tumors (greater than 900 mm3) showed no effect. Fluosol-DA or carbogen alone had no effects on animals with any tumor volume, as monitored by significant changes in radiosensitivity or nuclear magnetic resonance parameters. An approximately linear relationship was found between the decrease in the values for radiation dose which yields 50% tumor control and the increase in phosphocreatine/Pi, with a correlation of r = -0.93. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be useful for monitoring changes in radiosensitivity induced by agents which alter tumor oxygenation and subsequent metabolic status.