Whole blood RNA biomarkers for predicting survival in non-human primates following thoracic radiation

We conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of whole blood from male and female nonhuman primates (rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)) that received upper thoracic radiation. A Varian CLINAC 21EX linear accelerator was used (6 MV Linear Accelerator (Linac)). Body Weight Range: 3.5 to 5 kg (at initial physical exam). Age Range: 3 to 5 years (at initial physical exam). Overall design: Rhesus macaques were randomly assigned to a group, either receiving 9.8 Gy or 10.7 Gy to whole thoracic lung irradiation, with weight and biological sex being factored into distribution. 6 male and 6 female were placed in the 9.8 Gy group and 8 male and 8 female were placed in the 10.7 Gy group. Dose rate of 600 ± 10 cGy/min using the linear accelerator in an anterior-posterior (AP) and posterior-anterior (PA) technique. Animals were housed in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment with a target temperature between 19-29C and target humidity 30 and 70%. PMI LabDiet® Fiber-Plus® Monkey Diet 5049 biscuits were be provided two times per day and fresh drinking water was provided ad libitum. Veterinary care including analgesics (tramadol 1-4mG given twice daily beginning on post irradiation Day 4 and continuing through Day 25) and anti-inflammatory drugs (Dexamethasone administered IM using the following regimen: 1.0 mg/kg BID in animals who displayed tachypnea) were provided after radiation injury. Whole blood draws were performed Day -2, then every three days post-irradiation through Day 30, Days 40, 50 and 60, then every 30 ± 3 days thereafter.