Effect of hyperthermia before Neutron irradiation on chromosomal damages of human lymphocytes

Due to importance of combination therapies in cancer treatment, this study was performed to find the effects of hyperthermia and neutron irradiation and heir combination on the human lymphocytes. Blood samples were treated separately with 41.5 °C for 30 and 60 minutes, 43 °C for 15 and 30 minutes, as well as 10 cGy neutron irradiation. They also treated with hyperthermia followed by irradiation. After tissue culture and staining, chromosomal damages were scored. The results showed that hyperthermia at 41.5°C did not cause chromosomal damages, but it caused damages at 43 °C (P<0.05). In comparison to the hyperthermia alone and control group, the frequency of damage in 10 cGy neutron irradiation was higher (P<0.05). Pre-hyperthermia at both 41.5°C and 43°C did not affect the frequency of chromosomal damages resulted from neutron irradiation.