Diagnosis of efficacy of radiotherapy and combined treatment for cancer
The efficacy of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for patients with breast cancer and combined treatment for bladder cancer was evaluated by means of as-blood test (Sbl). It points to magnitude of radiation-induced decay of peripheral blood DNA in vitro prior to therapy. Level of DNA decay was evaluated after exposure to 2Gy and 3-hr incubation. The index in excess of 1.0 (in radiation-sensitive patients) was followed by a relapse-free survival 1.5-2 times longer (5-32 months depending on pathology) than in radiation-resistant patients. Also, a relationship was established between Sbl index and leukopenia level, as an indicator of hematoxic effect of radio- and chemotherapy on patients with bladder cancer and Hodgkin's disease. Hence, Sbl may be used to individualize a therapeutic modality including radiotherapy and, if necessary, to provide for use of hemostimulators.