Effects of Selenium on Radiation Responses of Tumor Cells and Tissue

Abstract

The only study with fractionated irradiation was performed in a rat R1H tumor, which does not show accelerated repopulation. Therefore, interaction of selenium with such repopulation processes, potentially resulting in increased tumor tolerance, could not be detected. For local administration of normal tissues with selenium, potential tumor effects may be of less importance, but these may be relevant for systemic administration. Therefore, well-designed studies with relevant tumor models and endpoints, and with clinically relevant fractionation protocols are recommended.

Protective effects of sodium selenite supplementation against irradiation-induced damage in non-cancerous human esophageal cells

“…Although clinical radiotherapy treatment planning and delivery technologies have improved, the toxicity of radiotherapy to non-cancerous tissues and organs remains a problem (2,3). Thus, radioprotective compounds are crucial in clinical radiotherapy (3), and the administration of radioprotective compounds has been suggested as an approach for preventing radiation-damage in normal tissues (4,5).…”

“…It detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by radiation treatment (4,7). In human antioxidant systems, selenium acts in the form of selenocysteine, which is incorporated into various selenoproteins (8,9).…”

Some Clinical Results on Selenium in Radiation Oncology

“…We thank Wolfgang Dörr for his important review on the modulation of radiation effects in tumor cells and tissues by selenium [5]. For the first time, he comprehensively summarizes the experimental data on the influence of selenium on the biology of irradiated tissue.…”

Effects of Systemic or Topical Administration of Sodium Selenite on Early Radiation Effects in Mouse Oral Mucosa

“…However, systemic administration or transmucosal resorption after topical administration may be effective on tumors. Only few data are available on potential tumor effects of selenium, which were recently reviewed [5]. Currently, the data available on tumor effects of selenium do not suggest a detrimental effect [5].…”