Oxidative stress markers in prostate cancer patients after HDR brachytherapy combined with external beam radiation

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012:2012:789870. doi: 10.1155/2012/789870. Epub 2012 Dec 16.

Abstract

Assessment of oxidative stress markers was perfomed in prostate cancer (PCa) patients subjected to high-dose brachytherapy (HDR) with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Sixty men with PCa were subjected to combined two-fraction treatment with HDR (tot. 20 Gy) and EBRT (46 Gy). Blood samples were taken before treatment, immediately afterwards, after 1.5-3 months, and approx. 2 years. Control group consisted of 30 healthy men. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in the patients was lower than in healthy subjects by 34% (P < 0.001), 50% (P < 0.001), 30% (P < 0.05), and 61% (P < 0.001), respectively, at all periods. No significant differences were found by comparing superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in PCa patients with that of the controls. After 2 years of the end of treatment, the activity of studied enzymes demonstrated a decreasing tendency versus before therapy. Blood plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration was higher than in the controls at all periods, while erythrocyte TBARS decreased after 2 years to control levels. The results confirm that in the course of PCa, imbalance of oxidant-antioxidant processes occurs. The therapy did not alter the levels of oxidative stress markers, which may prove its applicability. Two years is too short a period to restore the oxidant-antioxidant balance.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Brachytherapy / methods*
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Erythrocytes / radiation effects
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Proton Therapy / methods*
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • Glutathione Peroxidase