Effects of G2 checkpoint dynamics on the low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity

We develop and analyze a system of differential equations to investigate the effects of G2 checkpoint dynamics on the low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity. In experimental studies, it has been found that certain cell lines are more sensitive to low-dose radiation than would be expected from the classical Linear Quadratic model (LQ model). In fact, it is frequently observed that cells incur more damage at a low dose (say 0.3 Gy) than at higher dose (say 1 Gy). This effect has been termed hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS). The HRS is followed by a period of relative radioresistance (per unit dose) of cell kill over the dose range of ~ 0.5 - 1 Gy. This latter phenomenon is termed increased radioresistance (IRR). These effects depend on the type of cells and on their phase in the cell cycle. Here we focus on the HRS phenomenon by fitting a model for the cell cycle that includes G2-checkpoint dynamics and radiation treatment to surviving fraction data for different cell lines including glioma cells, prostate cancer cells, as well as to cell populations that are enriched in certain phases of the cell cycle. The HRS effect is measured in the literature through [Formula], the ratio of slope s, of the surviving fraction curve at zero dose to slope of the corresponding LQ model. We derive an explicit formula for this ratio and we show that it corresponds very closely to experimental observations. Finally, we can identify the dependence of this ratio on the surviving fraction at 2 Gy. It was speculated in the literature that such a relation exists. Our theoretical analysis will help to more systematically identify the HRS in cell lines and opens doors to analyze its use in cancer treatment.\n\nPACS and mathematical subject classification numbers as needed.