Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Glioma: Systematic Review

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Treatment is largely palliative, with current strategies unable to prevent inevitable tumor recurrence. Implantable micro-electromechanical systems are becoming more feasible for the management of several human diseases. These systems may have a role in detecting tumor recurrence and delivering localized therapies. One potential therapeutic tool is ultraviolet (UV) light. This systematic review assesses the effects of UV light on glioma cells. A total of 47 publications are included. The large majority were in vitro experiments conducted on human glioblastoma cell lines in monolayer. In these cells, UV light was shown to induce apoptosis and the expression of genes or activation of proteins that modulate cell death, repair, and proliferation. The nature and magnitude of cellular response varied by UV wavelength, dose, cell line, and time after irradiation. UVC (wavelength 100–280 nm) was most effective at inducing apoptosis, and this effect was dose dependent. The included studies had varied methodologies, complicating reconciliation of results. Further work will be required to determine the best regime of UV irradiation for therapeutic use. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4063–4071, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.