Aim: Aim of the study was to observe the impact of bone marrow damage induced by local irradiation on leukopenia.
Methods: For the human study, five cancer patients received local radiation therapy. Bone marrow aspiration was conducted to measure nucleated cell count and 99mTc-Sc sulfur colloid ECT imaging was carried out to examine bone marrow function. For the animal study, fifty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups: non-irradiated control group (N.=10), abdomen irradiation group (irradiation area did not cover bone marrow) (N.=20), chest irradiation group (irradiation area covered bone marrow) (N.=20). Nucleated cell counts were taken after confirming onset of leukopenia.
Results: Bone marrow of five patients proliferated normally. ECT imaging showed no abnormality in the pattern of red bone marrow distribution. Hematopoietic function was mildly active.
Conclusion: Suppressed myeloproliferative function does not fully account for irradiation-induced leukopenia.