An orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer model for image-guided small animal radiotherapy platforms.

Methods:: An orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer model in NMRI-nude mice was established to investigate the complementary information acquired from 80 kVp microcone-beam CT (micro-CBCT) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using different angles and filter settings. Different micro-CBCT-based radiation-delivery plans were evaluated based on their dose-volume histogram metrics of tumor and organs at risk to select the optimal treatment plan.

Results:: H1299 cell suspensions injected directly into the lung render exponentially growing single tumor nodules whose CBCT-based volume quantification strongly correlated with BLI-integrated intensity. Parallel-opposed single angle beam plans through a single lung are preferred for smaller tumors, whereas for larger tumors, plans that spread the radiation dose across healthy tissues are favored.

Conclusions:: Closely mimicking a clinical setting for lung cancer with highly advanced preclinical radiation treatment planning is possible in mice developing orthotopic lung tumors.

Advances In Knowledge:: BLI and CBCT imaging of orthotopic lung tumors provide complementary information in a temporal manner. The optimal radiotherapy plan is tumor volume-dependent.