The Dose Response of the Developing Mouse Brain After Cranial Irradiation Varies by Brain Structure

Lisa M. Gazdzinski¹, Richard J. Alsop¹, Brian J. Nieman¹

Cranial irradiation for the treatment of paediatric cancer leads to the development of progressive neurocognitive deficits. Younger age at the time of irradiation, female sex, and the dose delivered are considered risk factors for the development of these deficits. Using longitudinal in vivo MRI, this study shows that the dose response following cranial irradiation at a young age varies with structure in the developing mouse brain. Knowledge of the dose sensitivity of different brain structures in children may help in treatment planning for paediatric cancer patients and in identifying the mechanisms leading to cognitive deficits.