²²³Ra Induces Transient Functional Bone Marrow Toxicity

Abstract

²²³Ra is a bone-seeking, α-particle–emitting radionuclide approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic prostate cancer and is currently being tested in a variety of clinical trials for primary and metastatic cancers to bone. Clinical evaluation of ²²³Ra hematologic safety showed a significantly increased rate of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in patients, hinting at myelosuppression as a side effect. Methods: In this study, we investigated the consequences of ²²³Ra treatment on bone marrow biology by combining flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, three-dimensional multiphoton microscopy and bone marrow transplantation analyses. Results: ²²³Ra accumulated in bones and induced zonal radiation damage confined to the bone interface, followed by replacement of the impaired areas with adipocyte infiltration, as monitored by 3-dimensional multiphoton microscopy ex vivo. Flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomic analyses on bone marrow hematopoietic populations revealed transient, nonspecific ²²³Ra-mediated cytotoxicity on resident populations, including stem, progenitor, and mature leukocytes. This toxicity was paralleled by a significant decrease in white blood cells and platelets in peripheral blood—an effect that was overcome within 40 d after treatment. ²²³Ra exposure did not impair full hematopoietic reconstitution, suggesting that bone marrow function is not permanently hampered. Conclusion: Our results provide a comprehensive explanation of ²²³Ra reversible effects on bone marrow cells and exclude long-term myelotoxicity, supporting safety for patients.