Development of an Animal Stereotactic Device for Preclinical Research on Tumor Response After Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Background: In gamma knife radiosurgery, the tumor response to radiation is an important predictor of clinical treatment results. Since brain tumors have different characteristics and growth patterns, depending on the type, the tumors' response to radiation are also different. Compared with various other clinical treatments, there is a dearth of research on the development of gamma knife-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preclinical experimental equipment. Hence, the identification of preclinical equipment necessity for experimental animals will provide meaningful data for the provision of clinical assistance to humans.

Objectives: A device for stereotactic radiosurgery capable of MRI in small animals was developed. The feasibility of creating a preplan by means of small animal images was then assessed.

Methods: A device for stereotaxic surgery of small animals using a 48-channel MRI coil was developed using a 3 dimensional printer. Rat brain-MRI images were obtained with a 3.0 T MRI scanner using a multi-channel coil. The acquired MRI images were transferred to a GammaPlan workstation to establish a preplan.

Results: To gamma rays to the targeted site on animals, a positioning device combined with a G-frame was mounted on a gamma knife. Planning of radiosurgery based on MRI images became possible with GammaPlan workstations.

Conclusions: Preclinical experiments using small animals are possible with the use of stereotactic devices. In clinical treatment, preclinical experimental results will provide meaningful information.