Imaging of pH and pO2 gives insight in molecular processes of irradiated cells

One of the major challenges in radiation therapy is the interference with tissue repair processes due to hypoxic characteristics and pH dysregulation. In this study, we present dual imaging of pH and oxygenation in vitro based on luminescent biocompatible sensor foils that allow studying the effects of irradiation on different cell types in culture. Different sensitivities of fibroblast and oral squamous carcinoma cells were observed by complementing oxygen and pH differences with proliferation assays. This study highlights especially the distinct role of oxygen after irradiation and the difference in proliferation processes of irradiated normal dermal cells in contrast to irradiated tumor cells.