Increased Blood Levels of NfL , GFAP , and Placental Growth Factor After Radiotherapy to the Brain

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we analyzed biomarkers of neuronal, glial, and vascular injury in longitudinal paired samples of blood and cerebrospinal fluid after prophylactic cranial irradiation in patients with small cell lung cancer. Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) increased in serum and cerebrospinal fluid after irradiation; serum NfL correlated with cerebrospinal fluid values, apparently independent of blood-brain barrier function, whereas GFAP correlations were weaker. Although several patients developed brain metastases, linear mixed model results were consistent with an independent effect of radiotherapy on serum NfL and GFAP. Serum placental growth factor also rose and correlated with the albumin ratio. Our results support a radiotherapy-associated increase of NfL and GFAP in blood.

Source: Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

DOI: 10.1002/acn3.70278

Authors: Erik Fernström, Thomas Björk‐Eriksson, Pontus Erickson, Jan Nyman, Henrik Zetterberg, Marie Kalm

Institutions: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, University of Gothenburg, University of Wisconsin System, University of Wisconsin–Madison, UK Dementia Research Institute, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Brain Metastases and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,100

Funders: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, Familjen Erling-Perssons Stiftelse, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Stiftelsen för Gamla Tjänarinnor, EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research, European Partnership on Metrology, National Institute for Health and Care Research, University College London, European Commission, Hjärnfonden, Vetenskapsrådet, Barncancerfonden, Svenska Läkaresällskapet, Stiftelsen Jubileumsklinikens Forskningsfond mot Cancer, UK Dementia Research Institute, Olav Thon Stiftelsen, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme

OpenAlex ID: W4417230757