Evaluation of a Boron-Conjugated SRC Inhibitor Combined with Proton and X-Ray Irradiation in U-87 MG and U-87 MG IDH1R132H Glioma Cell Lines
Authors:
- Cristiana AlberghinaCristiana Alberghina
- Filippo TorrisiFTFilippo Torrisi
- Samuel ValableSVSamuel Valable
- Elsa SarrazinESElsa Sarrazin
- Isis BlanchardIBIsis Blanchard
- Anthony VelaAVAnthony Vela
- Valentina BravatàValentina Bravatà
- Lorenzo BottaLBLorenzo Botta
- Luca LanzanòLLLuca Lanzanò
- Silvia ScalisiSSSilvia Scalisi
- Maria P. DemichelisMDMaria P. Demichelis
- Maria G. SabiniMSMaria G. Sabini
Open Access
- 28 February 2026
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Pharmaceuticals
- Vol. 19 (3) , 392
Abstract
Background: Adult diffuse gliomas represent one of the most aggressive types of brain tumors. Proton therapy offers a minimally invasive treatment option whose biological effectiveness may be enhanced through nuclear reactions involving boron atoms, leading to the emission of high-LET α-particles. In this study, we investigated the potential enhancement of radiation-induced damage of a novel boron-conjugated, ATP-competitive SRC kinase inhibitor, in the U-87 MG glioma cell line and its isogenic cell line stably expressing the IDH1 R132H mutation. Methods: Glioma cells were exposed to either proton or X-ray irradiation to assess whether any enhancement associated with this boron-delivery strategy was specific to proton interactions. Cell survival assays and analyses of DNA damage responses were conducted in both cell lines. Results: While no significant synergistic effects were observed in survival endpoints, differences emerged at the level of early DNA damage effects, with IDH1-mutant glioma cells displaying an enhanced acute response following combined treatment with proton irradiation. Conclusions: These findings support further pharmacological development of boron-based SRC-targeted strategies and underscore the importance of tailoring therapeutic approaches to specific glioma molecular subtypes.Keywords
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