Background We have demonstrated that soy isoflavones radiosensitize cancer cells. Prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) and soy tablets had reduced radiation toxicity to surrounding organs. We have now investigated the combination of soy with RT in lung cancer (NSCLC), for which RT is limited by radiation-induced pneumonitis. Methods Human A549 NSCLC cells were injected i. v. in nude mice to generate lung tumor nodules. Lung tumor-bearing mice were treated with left lung RT at 12 Gy and with oral soy treatments at 1mg/day for 30 days. Lung tissues were processed for histology. Results Compared to lung tumor nodules treated with soy isoflavones or radiation, lung tissues from mice treated with both modalities showed that soy isoflavones augmented radiation-induced destruction of A549 lung tumor nodules leading to small residual tumor nodules containing degenerating tumor cells with large vacuoles. Soy isoflavones decreased the hemorrhages, inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation in lung tissue, suggesting protection of normal lung tissue. Conclusions Soy isoflavones augment destruction of A549 lung tumor nodules by radiation, and also mitigate vascular damage, inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation injury to normal lung tissue. Soy could be used as a non-toxic complementary approach to improve RT in NSCLC.

Inhibition of APE1/Ref-1 DNA repair activity by soy could be involved in the mechanism by which soy alters DNA repair and leads to cell killing.

the big data and analytics talent discussion has largely focused on a single rolethe data scientist. however, the need is much broader than data scientists. Data has become a strategic business asset. every professional occupation must adapt to this new mindset. Universities in partnership with industry must move quickly to ensure that the graduates they produce have the required skills for the age of big data. existing curricula should be reviewed and adapted to ensure relevance. New curricula and degree programs are needed to meet the needs of industry.

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