Evaluation of the Effects of Radiation Therapy on Muscle Contractibility and Skin Healing: An Experimental Study of the Cancer Treatment Implications

Author(s)

Avelino, Sarah O. M. ; Neves, Rafael M. ; Sobral-Silva, Leonardo A. ; Tango, Rubens N. ; Federico, Claudio A. ; Vegian, Mariana R. C. ; de Almeida-Silva, Luis Augusto ; Kaminagakura, Estela ; Amorim, Jose Benedito O. ; Vasconcellos, Luana M. R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LIFE-BASEL; v. 13, n. 9, p. 10-pg., 2023-09-01.

Abstract

Background: Radiotherapy can affect healthy cells, resulting in side effects. This study aimed to assess the impact of radiotherapy on soft tissue in surgical wounds in rats. Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: control (S) group without irradiation, immediate irradiation (S-IIr) group receiving irradiation right after surgery, late irradiation (S-LIr) group receiving irradiation four weeks after surgery, and early irradiation (Ir-S) group receiving irradiation before surgery. The irradiated groups underwent two fractional stages of 15 Gy. Muscle contractibility (EMG) was evaluated at two different time points, and after 2 and 7 weeks, the animals were euthanized for histological analysis of the muscles and skin. Results: There was no significant difference between the EMG1 and EMG2 values of the S and S-LIr groups, but both S-IIr and Ir-S groups exhibited a statistically significant difference. The S group demonstrated a larger diameter of muscle fiber compared to other groups, showing a significant difference. In terms of skin analysis, the S-IIr group had the least inflammatory infiltrate and the highest amount of red fibers, differing significantly from the other groups. Conclusions: Regardless of the duration, radiotherapy was found to have effects on the surrounding soft tissues, as concluded by this study. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/00543-5 - Effects of radiotherapy in bone-implant interface and on the tissues surrounding
• Grantee: Rafael Marques Neves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation