Dose-independent effect of misonidazole in fractionated irradiations of hypoxic Vicia faba bean roots.

The radiosensitization of 5 mM misonidazole (Miso) was measured in Vicia faba bean roots with regimens of single, three, six and twelve fractions of 250 kVp X-rays. To inhibit cell division, the beans were kept at a constant temperature of 3.5 degrees C during irradiation and between fractions that were spaced 24 hours apart. The doses in various regimens were graded such that they ranged between 27 and 350, and 42 and 513 cGy per fraction in Miso-treated and non-treated regimens, respectively, under hypoxia. The sensitivity enhancement ratio (s.e.r.) was constant throughout the dose range employed with an average value of 1.62. The s.e.r. increased to 2.3 when measured with single doses at 19 degrees C. It is concluded that the s.e.r. is dose-independent and that temperature enhances the effectiveness of the drug.