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Lucas JT, Abramson ZR, Epstein K, Morin CE, Jaju A, Lee JW, Lee CL, Sitaram R, Voss SD, Hudson MM, Constine LS, Hua CH. Imaging Assessment of Radiation Therapy-Related Normal Tissue Injury in Children: A PENTEC Visionary Statement. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:669-680. [PMID: 38760116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The Pediatric Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (PENTEC) consortium has made significant contributions to understanding and mitigating the adverse effects of childhood cancer therapy. This review addresses the role of diagnostic imaging in detecting, screening, and comprehending radiation therapy-related late effects in children, drawing insights from individual organ-specific PENTEC reports. We further explore how the development of imaging biomarkers for key organ systems, alongside technical advancements and translational imaging approaches, may enhance the systematic application of imaging evaluations in childhood cancer survivors. Moreover, the review critically examines knowledge gaps and identifies technical and practical limitations of existing imaging modalities in the pediatric population. Addressing these challenges may expand access to, minimize the risk of, and optimize the real-world application of, new imaging techniques. The PENTEC team envisions this document as a roadmap for the future development of imaging strategies in childhood cancer survivors, with the overarching goal of improving long-term health outcomes and quality of life for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary R Abramson
- Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Katherine Epstein
- Division of Radiology and Medical Imaging, UC Department of Radiology, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Cara E Morin
- Division of Radiology and Medical Imaging, UC Department of Radiology, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Alok Jaju
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Chang-Lung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology and; Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ranganatha Sitaram
- Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Stephan D Voss
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa M Hudson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Louis S Constine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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2
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Melam A, Pedersen LN, Klaas A, Xu Z, Bergom C. Methods to assess radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in rodent models. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 180:127-146. [PMID: 37890926 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer survivors who have received thoracic radiation as part of their primary treatment are at risk for developing radiation-induced cardiotoxicity (RICT) due to incidental radiation delivered to the heart. In recent decades, advancements in radiation delivery have dramatically improved the therapeutic ratio of radiation therapy (RT)-efficiently targeting malignancies while sparing the heart; yet, in many patients, incidental radiation to the heart cannot be fully avoided. Cardiac radiation exposure can cause long-term morbidity and contribute to poorer survival in cancer patients. Severe cardiac effects can occur within 2years of treatment. Currently, there is no way to predict who is at higher or lower risk of developing cardiotoxicity from radiation, and the critical factors that alter RICT have not yet been clearly identified. Thus, pre-clinical investigations are an important step towards better prevention, detection, and management of RICT in cancer survivors. The overarching aim of this chapter is to provide researchers with foundational and technical knowledge in the use of mice and rats for RICT investigations. After a brief overview of RICT pathophysiology and clinical manifestations, we discuss important considerations of RICT study design, including animal selection and radiation planning. We then provide example protocols for murine tissue harvesting and processing that can support use in downstream applications of the reader's choosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Melam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Lauren N Pedersen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Amanda Klaas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Carmen Bergom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States.
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3
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Verhaegen F, Butterworth KT, Chalmers AJ, Coppes RP, de Ruysscher D, Dobiasch S, Fenwick JD, Granton PV, Heijmans SHJ, Hill MA, Koumenis C, Lauber K, Marples B, Parodi K, Persoon LCGG, Staut N, Subiel A, Vaes RDW, van Hoof S, Verginadis IL, Wilkens JJ, Williams KJ, Wilson GD, Dubois LJ. Roadmap for precision preclinical x-ray radiation studies. Phys Med Biol 2023; 68:06RM01. [PMID: 36584393 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/acaf45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This Roadmap paper covers the field of precision preclinical x-ray radiation studies in animal models. It is mostly focused on models for cancer and normal tissue response to radiation, but also discusses other disease models. The recent technological evolution in imaging, irradiation, dosimetry and monitoring that have empowered these kinds of studies is discussed, and many developments in the near future are outlined. Finally, clinical translation and reverse translation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Verhaegen
- MAASTRO Clinic, Radiotherapy Division, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- SmART Scientific Solutions BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Patrick G. Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J Chalmers
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Rob P Coppes
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Cell Biology and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk de Ruysscher
- MAASTRO Clinic, Radiotherapy Division, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Dobiasch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany
- Department of Medical Physics, Institute of Radiation Medicine (IRM), Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
| | - John D Fenwick
- Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering University College LondonMalet Place Engineering Building, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mark A Hill
- MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, ORCRB Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU München, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Brian Marples
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Katia Parodi
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Munich, Germany
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Garching b. Munich, Germany
| | | | - Nick Staut
- SmART Scientific Solutions BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Subiel
- National Physical Laboratory, Medical Radiation Science Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Rianne D W Vaes
- MAASTRO Clinic, Radiotherapy Division, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ioannis L Verginadis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jan J Wilkens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), School of Medicine and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Germany
- Physics Department, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany
| | - Kaye J Williams
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - George D Wilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, MI, United States of America
- Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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4
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Dreyfuss AD, Velalopoulou A, Avgousti H, Bell BI, Verginadis II. Preclinical models of radiation-induced cardiac toxicity: Potential mechanisms and biomarkers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:920867. [PMID: 36313656 PMCID: PMC9596809 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.920867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is an important modality in cancer treatment with >50% of cancer patients undergoing RT for curative or palliative intent. In patients with breast, lung, and esophageal cancer, as well as mediastinal malignancies, incidental RT dose to heart or vascular structures has been linked to the development of Radiation-Induced Heart Disease (RIHD) which manifests as ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, cardiac dysfunction, and heart failure. Despite the remarkable progress in the delivery of radiotherapy treatment, off-target cardiac toxicities are unavoidable. One of the best-studied pathological consequences of incidental exposure of the heart to RT is collagen deposition and fibrosis, leading to the development of radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis (RIMF). However, the pathogenesis of RIMF is still largely unknown. Moreover, there are no available clinical approaches to reverse RIMF once it occurs and it continues to impair the quality of life of long-term cancer survivors. Hence, there is an increasing need for more clinically relevant preclinical models to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the development of RIMF. This review offers an insight into the existing preclinical models to study RIHD and the suggested mechanisms of RIMF, as well as available multi-modality treatments and outcomes. Moreover, we summarize the valuable detection methods of RIHD/RIMF, and the clinical use of sensitive radiographic and circulating biomarkers.
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Li M, Beaumont N, Ma C, Rojas J, Vu T, Harlacher M, O'Connell G, Gessner RC, Kilian H, Kasatkina L, Chen Y, Huang Q, Shen X, Lovell JF, Verkhusha VV, Czernuszewicz T, Yao J. Three-Dimensional Deep-Tissue Functional and Molecular Imaging by Integrated Photoacoustic, Ultrasound, and Angiographic Tomography (PAUSAT). IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2022; 41:2704-2714. [PMID: 35442884 PMCID: PMC9563100 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2022.3168859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive small-animal imaging technologies, such as optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and x -ray computed tomography, have enabled researchers to study normal biological phenomena or disease progression in their native conditions. However, existing small-animal imaging technologies often lack either the penetration capability for interrogating deep tissues (e.g., optical microscopy), or the functional and molecular sensitivity for tracking specific activities (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging). To achieve functional and molecular imaging in deep tissues, we have developed an integrated photoacoustic, ultrasound and acoustic angiographic tomography (PAUSAT) system by seamlessly combining light and ultrasound. PAUSAT can perform three imaging modes simultaneously with complementary contrast: high-frequency B-mode ultrasound imaging of tissue morphology, microbubble-enabled acoustic angiography of tissue vasculature, and multi-spectral photoacoustic imaging of molecular probes. PAUSAT can provide three-dimensional (3D) multi-contrast images that are co-registered, with high spatial resolutions at large depths. Using PAUSAT, we performed proof-of-concept in vivo experiments on various small animal models: monitoring longitudinal development of placenta and embryo during mouse pregnancy, tracking biodistribution and metabolism of near-infrared organic dye on the whole-body scale, and detecting breast tumor expressing genetically-encoded photoswitchable phytochromes. These results have collectively demonstrated that PAUSAT has broad applicability in biomedical research, providing comprehensive structural, functional, and molecular imaging of small animal models.
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6
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Ortiz de Choudens S, Sparapani R, Narayanan J, Lohr N, Gao F, Fish BL, Zielonka M, Gasperetti T, Veley D, Beyer A, Olson J, Jacobs ER, Medhora M. Lisinopril Mitigates Radiation-Induced Mitochondrial Defects in Rat Heart and Blood Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:828177. [PMID: 35311118 PMCID: PMC8924663 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.828177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic bases and disparate responses to radiotherapy are poorly understood, especially for cardiotoxicity resulting from treatment of thoracic tumors. Preclinical animal models such as the Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rat can serve as a surrogate model for salt-sensitive low renin hypertension, common to African Americans, where aldosterone contributes to hypertension-related alterations of peripheral vascular and renal vascular function. Brown Norway (BN) rats, in comparison, are a normotensive control group, while consomic SSBN6 with substitution of rat chromosome 6 (homologous to human chromosome 14) on an SS background manifests cardioprotection and mitochondrial preservation to SS rats after injury. In this study, 2 groups from each of the 3 rat strains had their hearts irradiated (8 Gy X 5 fractions). One irradiated group was treated with the ACE-inhibitor lisinopril, and a separate group in each strain served as nonirradiated controls. Radiation reduced cardiac end diastolic volume by 9-11% and increased thickness of the interventricular septum (11-16%) and left ventricular posterior wall (14-15%) in all 3 strains (5-10 rats/group) after 120 days. Lisinopril mitigated the increase in posterior wall thickness. Mitochondrial function was measured by the Seahorse Cell Mitochondrial Stress test in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) at 90 days. Radiation did not alter mitochondrial respiration in PBMC from BN or SSBN6. However, maximal mitochondrial respiration and spare capacity were reduced by radiation in PBMC from SS rats (p=0.016 and 0.002 respectively, 9-10 rats/group) and this effect was mitigated by lisinopril (p=0.04 and 0.023 respectively, 9-10 rats/group). Taken together, these results indicate injury to the heart by radiation in all 3 strains of rats, although the SS rats had greater susceptibility for mitochondrial dysfunction. Lisinopril mitigated injury independent of genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodney Sparapani
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cancer Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jayashree Narayanan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States
| | - Nicole Lohr
- Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States
| | - Brian L Fish
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States
| | - Monika Zielonka
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Tracy Gasperetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States
| | - Dana Veley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States
| | - Andreas Beyer
- Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jessica Olson
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cancer Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Jacobs
- Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cancer Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Research Service, Veterans Affairs, Zablocki VA Medical Center (VAMC), Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Meetha Medhora
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, United States.,Cardiovascular Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Cancer Center, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Research Service, Veterans Affairs, Zablocki VA Medical Center (VAMC), Milwaukee, WI, United States
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7
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Boerma M, Sridharan V, Krager KJ, Pawar SA. Small animal models of localized heart irradiation. Methods Cell Biol 2022; 168:221-234. [PMID: 35366984 PMCID: PMC9642084 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A subset of cancer patients treated with radiation therapy may experience radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) that develops within weeks to several years after cancer treatment. Rodent models are most commonly used to examine the biological effects of local X-rays in the heart and test potential strategies to reduce RIHD. While developments in technology over the last decades have changed the procedures for local heart irradiation in animal models, the X-ray settings and radiation doses have remained quite consistent in time and between different research laboratories. This chapter provides a protocol for whole heart irradiation in rodent models, using an X-ray machine with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) capabilities. Some methods for the quantification of common histological changes after whole heart irradiation in the rodent are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Boerma
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Division of Radiation Health, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Division of Radiation Health, 4301 West Markham, Slot 522-10, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States
| | - Kimberly J. Krager
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Division of Radiation Health, 4301 West Markham, Slot 522-10, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States
| | - Snehalata A. Pawar
- SUNY Upstate Medical University, Department of Radiation Oncology, 505 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
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8
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Melam A, Pedersen LN, Klaas A, Xu Z, Bergom C. Methods to assess radiation-induced cardiotoxicity in rodent models. Methods Cell Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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9
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Lee CL, Wright AO, Lee JW, Brownstein J, Hasapis S, Satow S, Da Silva Campos L, Williams N, Ma Y, Luo L, Johnson T, Daniel AR, Harrison WT, Oldham M, Kirsch DG. Sensitization of Endothelial Cells to Ionizing Radiation Exacerbates Delayed Radiation Myelopathy in Mice. Radiat Res 2021; 197:0. [PMID: 34724704 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00166.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Delayed radiation myelopathy is a rare, but significant late side effect from radiation therapy that can lead to paralysis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to delayed radiation myelopathy are not completely understood but may be a consequence of damage to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and vascular endothelial cells. Here, we aimed to determine the contribution of endothelial cell damage to the development of radiation-induced spinal cord injury using a genetically defined mouse model in which endothelial cells are sensitized to radiation due to loss of the tumor suppressor p53. Tie2Cre; p53FL/+ and Tie2Cre; p53FL/- mice, which lack one and both alleles of p53 in endothelial cells, respectively, were treated with focal irradiation that specifically targeted the lumbosacral region of the spinal cord. The development of hindlimb paralysis was followed for up to 18 weeks after either a 26.7 Gy or 28.4 Gy dose of radiation. During 18 weeks of follow-up, 83% and 100% of Tie2Cre; p53FL/- mice developed hindlimb paralysis after 26.7 and 28.4 Gy, respectively. In contrast, during this period only 8% of Tie2Cre; p53FL/+ mice exhibited paralysis after 28.4 Gy. In addition, 8 weeks after 28.4 Gy the irradiated spinal cord from Tie2Cre; p53FL/- mice showed a significantly higher fractional area positive for the neurological injury marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) compared with the irradiated spinal cord from Tie2Cre; p53FL/+ mice. Together, our findings show that deletion of p53 in endothelial cells sensitizes mice to the development of delayed radiation myelopathy indicating that endothelial cells are a critical cellular target of radiation that regulates myelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Lung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Pathology
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology
| | | | | | | | - William T Harrison
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | | | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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10
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Clark D, Badea C. Advances in micro-CT imaging of small animals. Phys Med 2021; 88:175-192. [PMID: 34284331 PMCID: PMC8447222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Micron-scale computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging is a ubiquitous, cost-effective, and non-invasive three-dimensional imaging modality. We review recent developments and applications of micro-CT for preclinical research. METHODS Based on a comprehensive review of recent micro-CT literature, we summarize features of state-of-the-art hardware and ongoing challenges and promising research directions in the field. RESULTS Representative features of commercially available micro-CT scanners and some new applications for both in vivo and ex vivo imaging are described. New advancements include spectral scanning using dual-energy micro-CT based on energy-integrating detectors or a new generation of photon-counting x-ray detectors (PCDs). Beyond two-material discrimination, PCDs enable quantitative differentiation of intrinsic tissues from one or more extrinsic contrast agents. When these extrinsic contrast agents are incorporated into a nanoparticle platform (e.g. liposomes), novel micro-CT imaging applications are possible such as combined therapy and diagnostic imaging in the field of cancer theranostics. Another major area of research in micro-CT is in x-ray phase contrast (XPC) imaging. XPC imaging opens CT to many new imaging applications because phase changes are more sensitive to density variations in soft tissues than standard absorption imaging. We further review the impact of deep learning on micro-CT. We feature several recent works which have successfully applied deep learning to micro-CT data, and we outline several challenges specific to micro-CT. CONCLUSIONS All of these advancements establish micro-CT imaging at the forefront of preclinical research, able to provide anatomical, functional, and even molecular information while serving as a testbench for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.P. Clark
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Lab, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
| | - C.T. Badea
- Quantitative Imaging and Analysis Lab, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710
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11
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Lee CL, Lee JW, Daniel AR, Holbrook M, Hasapis S, Wright AO, Brownstein J, Da Silva Campos L, Ma Y, Mao L, Abraham D, Badea CT, Kirsch DG. Characterization of cardiovascular injury in mice following partial-heart irradiation with clinically relevant dose and fractionation. Radiother Oncol 2021; 157:155-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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12
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Dreyfuss AD, Goia D, Shoniyozov K, Shewale SV, Velalopoulou A, Mazzoni S, Avgousti H, Metzler SD, Bravo PE, Feigenberg SJ, Ky B, Verginadis II, Koumenis C. A Novel Mouse Model of Radiation-Induced Cardiac Injury Reveals Biological and Radiological Biomarkers of Cardiac Dysfunction with Potential Clinical Relevance. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:2266-2276. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-3882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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13
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Badea CT. Principles of Micro X-ray Computed Tomography. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00006-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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14
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Mrotzek SM, Rassaf T, Totzeck M. Cardiovascular Damage Associated With Chest Irradiation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:41. [PMID: 32266294 PMCID: PMC7103638 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of anticancer-therapies results in a greater amount of long-term survivors after radiotherapy. Therefore, the understanding of cardiotoxicity after irradiation is of increasing importance. Cardiovascular adverse events after chest irradiation have been acknowledged for a long time but remain difficult to diagnose. Long-term cardiovascular adverse events may become evident years or decades after radiotherapy and the spectrum of potential cardiovascular side effects is large. Recent experimental and clinical data indicate that cardiovascular symptoms may be caused especially by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which remains incompletely understood in patients after radiation therapy. Heart radiation dose and co-existing cardiovascular risk factors represent some of the most important contributors for incidence and severity of radiation-induced cardiovascular side effects. In this review, we aim to elucidate the underlying patho-mechanisms and to characterize the development of radiation-induced cardiovascular damage. Additionally, approaches for clinical management and treatment options are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M Mrotzek
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Totzeck
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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15
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Schlaak RA, SenthilKumar G, Boerma M, Bergom C. Advances in Preclinical Research Models of Radiation-Induced Cardiac Toxicity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E415. [PMID: 32053873 PMCID: PMC7072196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is an important component of cancer therapy, with >50% of cancer patients receiving RT. As the number of cancer survivors increases, the short- and long-term side effects of cancer therapy are of growing concern. Side effects of RT for thoracic tumors, notably cardiac and pulmonary toxicities, can cause morbidity and mortality in long-term cancer survivors. An understanding of the biological pathways and mechanisms involved in normal tissue toxicity from RT will improve future cancer treatments by reducing the risk of long-term side effects. Many of these mechanistic studies are performed in animal models of radiation exposure. In this area of research, the use of small animal image-guided RT with treatment planning systems that allow more accurate dose determination has the potential to revolutionize knowledge of clinically relevant tumor and normal tissue radiobiology. However, there are still a number of challenges to overcome to optimize such radiation delivery, including dose verification and calibration, determination of doses received by adjacent normal tissues that can affect outcomes, and motion management and identifying variation in doses due to animal heterogeneity. In addition, recent studies have begun to determine how animal strain and sex affect normal tissue radiation injuries. This review article discusses the known and potential benefits and caveats of newer technologies and methods used for small animal radiation delivery, as well as how the choice of animal models, including variables such as species, strain, and age, can alter the severity of cardiac radiation toxicities and impact their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Schlaak
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Gopika SenthilKumar
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Carmen Bergom
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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16
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Abstract
Molecular imaging enables both spatial and temporal understanding of the complex biologic systems underlying carcinogenesis and malignant spread. Single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) is a versatile nuclear imaging-based technique with ideal properties to study these processes in vivo in small animal models, as well as to identify potential drug candidates and characterize their antitumor action and potential adverse effects. Small animal SPECT and SPECT-CT (single-photon emission tomography combined with computer tomography) systems continue to evolve, as do the numerous SPECT radiopharmaceutical agents, allowing unprecedented sensitivity and quantitative molecular imaging capabilities. Several of these advances, their specific applications in oncology as well as new areas of exploration are highlighted in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Franc
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H2232, MC 5281, Stanford, CA, 94305-5105, USA.
| | - Youngho Seo
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Robert Flavell
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Carina Mari Aparici
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, H2232, MC 5281, Stanford, CA, 94305-5105, USA
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17
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Abstract
The maturation of photon-counting detector (PCD) technology promises to enhance routine CT imaging applications with high-fidelity spectral information. In this paper, we demonstrate the power of this synergy and our complementary reconstruction techniques, performing 4D, cardiac PCD-CT data acquisition and reconstruction in a mouse model of atherosclerosis, including calcified plaque. Specifically, in vivo cardiac micro-CT scans were performed in four ApoE knockout mice, following their development of calcified plaques. The scans were performed with a prototype PCD (DECTRIS, Ltd.) with 4 energy thresholds. Projections were sampled every 10 ms with a 10 ms exposure, allowing the reconstruction of 10 cardiac phases at each of 4 energies (40 total 3D volumes per mouse scan). Reconstruction was performed iteratively using the split Bregman method with constraints on spectral rank and spatio-temporal gradient sparsity. The reconstructed images represent the first in vivo, 4D PCD-CT data in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Robust regularization during iterative reconstruction yields high-fidelity results: an 8-fold reduction in noise standard deviation for the highest energy threshold (relative to unregularized algebraic reconstruction), while absolute spectral bias measurements remain below 13 Hounsfield units across all energy thresholds and scans. Qualitatively, image domain material decomposition results show clear separation of iodinated contrast and soft tissue from calcified plaque in the in vivo data. Quantitatively, spatial, spectral, and temporal fidelity are verified through a water phantom scan and a realistic MOBY phantom simulation experiment: spatial resolution is robustly preserved by iterative reconstruction (10% MTF: 2.8–3.0 lp/mm), left-ventricle, cardiac functional metrics can be measured from iodine map segmentations with ~1% error, and small calcifications (615 μm) can be detected during slow moving phases of the cardiac cycle. Given these preliminary results, we believe that PCD technology will enhance dynamic CT imaging applications with high-fidelity spectral and material information.
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18
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Lee CL, Daniel AR, Holbrook M, Brownstein J, Silva Campos LD, Hasapis S, Ma Y, Borst LB, Badea CT, Kirsch DG. Sensitization of Vascular Endothelial Cells to Ionizing Radiation Promotes the Development of Delayed Intestinal Injury in Mice. Radiat Res 2019; 192:258-266. [PMID: 31265788 PMCID: PMC6776243 DOI: 10.1667/rr15371.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to ionizing radiation can cause acute and delayed injury. However, critical cellular targets that regulate the development of radiation-induced GI injury remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the role of vascular endothelial cells in controlling acute and delayed GI injury after total-abdominal irradiation (TAI). To address this, we used genetically engineered mice in which endothelial cells are sensitized to radiation due to the deletion of the tumor suppressor p53. Remarkably, we found that VE-cadherin-Cre; p53FL/FL mice, in which both alleles of p53 are deleted in endothelial cells, were not sensitized to the acute GI radiation syndrome, but these mice were highly susceptible to delayed radiation enteropathy. Histological examination indicated that VE-cadherin-Cre; p53FL/FL mice that developed delayed radiation enteropathy had severe vascular injury in the small intestine, which was manifested by hemorrhage, loss of microvessels and tissue hypoxia. In addition, using dual-energy CT imaging, we showed that VE-cadherin-Cre; p53FL/FL mice had a significant increase in vascular permeability of the small intestine in vivo 28 days after TAI. Together, these findings demonstrate that while sensitization of endothelial cells to radiation does not exacerbate the acute GI radiation syndrome, it is sufficient to promote the development of late radiation enteropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Lung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Andrea R Daniel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Matt Holbrook
- Department of Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Jeremy Brownstein
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | | | - Stephanie Hasapis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Luke B Borst
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
| | - Cristian T Badea
- Department of Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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19
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Badea CT, Clark DP, Holbrook M, Srivastava M, Mowery Y, Ghaghada KB. Functional imaging of tumor vasculature using iodine and gadolinium-based nanoparticle contrast agents: a comparison of spectral micro-CT using energy integrating and photon counting detectors. Phys Med Biol 2019; 64:065007. [PMID: 30708357 PMCID: PMC6607440 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ab03e2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advances in computed tomography (CT) hardware have propelled the development of novel CT contrast agents. In particular, the spectral capabilities of x-ray CT can facilitate simultaneous imaging of multiple contrast agents. This approach is particularly useful for functional imaging of solid tumors by simultaneous visualization of multiple targets or architectural features that govern cancer development and progression. Nanoparticles are a promising platform for contrast agent development. While several novel imaging moieties based on high atomic number elements are being explored, iodine (I) and gadolinium (Gd) are particularly attractive because of their existing approval for clinical use. In this work, we investigate the in vivo discrimination of I and Gd nanoparticle contrast agents using both dual energy micro-CT with energy integrating detectors (DE-EID) and photon counting detector (PCD)-based spectral micro-CT. Simulations and phantom experiments were performed using varying concentrations of I and Gd to determine the imaging performance with optimized acquisition parameters. Quantitative spectral micro-CT imaging using liposomal-iodine (Lip-I) and liposomal-Gd (Lip-Gd) nanoparticle contrast agents was performed in sarcoma bearing mice for anatomical and functional imaging of tumor vasculature. Iterative reconstruction provided high sensitivity to detect and discriminate relatively low I and Gd concentrations. According to the Rose criterion applied to the experimental results, the detectability limits for I and Gd were approximately 2.5 mg ml-1 for both DE-EID CT and PCD micro-CT, even if the radiation dose was approximately 3.8 times lower with PCD micro-CT. The material concentration maps confirmed expected biodistributions of contrast agents in the blood, liver, spleen and kidneys. The PCD provided lower background signal and better simultaneous visualization of tumor vasculature and intratumoral distribution patterns of nanoparticle contrast agent compared to DE-EID decompositions. Preclinical spectral CT systems such as this could be useful for functional characterization of solid tumors, simultaneous quantitative imaging of multiple targets and for identifying clinically-relevant applications that benefit from the use of spectral imaging. Additionally, it could aid in the development nanoparticles that show promise in the developing field of cancer theranostics (therapy and diagnostics) by measuring vascular tumor biomarkers such as fractional blood volume and the delivery of liposomal chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- C T Badea
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.,http://civm.duhs.duke.edu/.,Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
| | - D P Clark
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - M Holbrook
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - M Srivastava
- Singleton Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Y Mowery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - K B Ghaghada
- Singleton Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America
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20
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Ford NL, Tan S, Deman P. An investigation of radiation damage in rat lungs following dual-energy micro-CT imaging. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2019. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aaf240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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21
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Barabutis N, Schally AV, Siejka A. P53, GHRH, inflammation and cancer. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:557-562. [PMID: 30344124 PMCID: PMC6284454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
P53 is a transcription factor very often mutated in malignancies. It functions towards the regulation of important cellular activities, such as cell cycle, senescence and apoptosis. Since inflammation and cancer are strongly associated through common pathways, P53 can suppress inflammation in a plethora of human tissues. Growth Hormone - Releasing Hormone is a hypothalamic peptide with a great capacity to affect the complex networks of cellular regulation via GHRH - specific receptors. GHRH antagonistic and agonistic analogs have been developed for clinical applications, including treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, breast, prostate and lung cancers, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The epicenter of the current manuscript is the protective role of P53 against inflammation and cancer and emphasizes the p53 – mediated beneficial effects of GHRH antagonists in various human diseases. Inflammation is tightly associated with cancer. GHRH antagonists induce P53 expression. P53 exerts a protective effect against cancer and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Andrew V Schally
- Department of Pathology and Divisions of Hematology/Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33156, USA; Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33156, USA
| | - Agnieszka Siejka
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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22
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Ashcraft KA, Miles D, Sunday ME, Choudhury KR, Young KH, Palmer GM, Patel P, Woska EC, Zhang R, Oldham M, Dewhirst MW, Koontz BF. Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Murine Model of Chronic Radiation-Induced Proctitis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 101:1194-1201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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23
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Ashton JR, Castle KD, Qi Y, Kirsch DG, West JL, Badea CT. Dual-Energy CT Imaging of Tumor Liposome Delivery After Gold Nanoparticle-Augmented Radiation Therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:1782-1797. [PMID: 29556356 PMCID: PMC5858500 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are emerging as promising agents for both cancer therapy and computed tomography (CT) imaging. AuNPs absorb x-rays and subsequently release low-energy, short-range photoelectrons during external beam radiation therapy (RT), increasing the local radiation dose. When AuNPs are near tumor vasculature, the additional radiation dose can lead to increased vascular permeability. This work focuses on understanding how tumor vascular permeability is influenced by AuNP-augmented RT, and how this effect can be used to improve the delivery of nanoparticle chemotherapeutics. Methods: Dual-energy CT was used to quantify the accumulation of both liposomal iodine and AuNPs in tumors following AuNP-augmented RT in a mouse model of primary soft tissue sarcoma. Mice were injected with non-targeted AuNPs, RGD-functionalized AuNPs (vascular targeting), or no AuNPs, after which they were treated with varying doses of RT. The mice were injected with either liposomal iodine (for the imaging study) or liposomal doxorubicin (for the treatment study) 24 hours after RT. Increased tumor liposome accumulation was assessed by dual-energy CT (iodine) or by tracking tumor treatment response (doxorubicin). Results: A significant increase in vascular permeability was observed for all groups after 20 Gy RT, for the targeted and non-targeted AuNP groups after 10 Gy RT, and for the vascular-targeted AuNP group after 5 Gy RT. Combining targeted AuNPs with 5 Gy RT and liposomal doxorubicin led to a significant tumor growth delay (tumor doubling time ~ 8 days) compared to AuNP-augmented RT or chemotherapy alone (tumor doubling time ~3-4 days). Conclusions: The addition of vascular-targeted AuNPs significantly improved the treatment effect of liposomal doxorubicin after RT, consistent with the increased liposome accumulation observed in tumors in the imaging study. Using this approach with a liposomal drug delivery system can increase specific tumor delivery of chemotherapeutics, which has the potential to significantly improve tumor response and reduce the side effects of both RT and chemotherapy.
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24
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Holbrook M, Clark DP, Badea CT. Low-dose 4D cardiac imaging in small animals using dual source micro-CT. Phys Med Biol 2018; 63:025009. [PMID: 29148430 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aa9b45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Micro-CT is widely used in preclinical studies, generating substantial interest in extending its capabilities in functional imaging applications such as blood perfusion and cardiac function. However, imaging cardiac structure and function in mice is challenging due to their small size and rapid heart rate. To overcome these challenges, we propose and compare improvements on two strategies for cardiac gating in dual-source, preclinical micro-CT: fast prospective gating (PG) and uncorrelated retrospective gating (RG). These sampling strategies combined with a sophisticated iterative image reconstruction algorithm provide faster acquisitions and high image quality in low-dose 4D (i.e. 3D + Time) cardiac micro-CT. Fast PG is performed under continuous subject rotation which results in interleaved projection angles between cardiac phases. Thus, fast PG provides a well-sampled temporal average image for use as a prior in iterative reconstruction. Uncorrelated RG incorporates random delays during sampling to prevent correlations between heart rate and sampling rate. We have performed both simulations and animal studies to validate these new sampling protocols. Sampling times for 1000 projections using fast PG and RG were 2 and 3 min, respectively, and the total dose was 170 mGy each. Reconstructions were performed using a 4D iterative reconstruction technique based on the split Bregman method. To examine undersampling robustness, subsets of 500 and 250 projections were also used for reconstruction. Both sampling strategies in conjunction with our iterative reconstruction method are capable of resolving cardiac phases and provide high image quality. In general, for equal numbers of projections, fast PG shows fewer errors than RG and is more robust to undersampling. Our results indicate that only 1000-projection based reconstruction with fast PG satisfies a 5% error criterion in left ventricular volume estimation. These methods promise low-dose imaging with a wide range of preclinical applications in cardiac imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Holbrook
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
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25
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Castle KD, Chen M, Wisdom AJ, Kirsch DG. Genetically engineered mouse models for studying radiation biology. Transl Cancer Res 2017; 6:S900-S913. [PMID: 30733931 PMCID: PMC6363345 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2017.06.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are valuable research tools that have transformed our understanding of cancer. The first GEMMs generated in the 1980s and 1990s were knock-in and knock-out models of single oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The advances that made these models possible catalyzed both technological and conceptual shifts in the way cancer research was conducted. As a result, dozens of mouse models of cancer exist today, covering nearly every tissue type. The advantages inherent to GEMMs compared to in vitro and in vivo transplant models are compounded in preclinical radiobiology research for several reasons. First, they accurately and robustly recapitulate primary cancers anatomically, histopathologically, and genetically. Reliable models are a prerequisite for predictive preclinical studies. Second, they preserve the tumor microenvironment, including the immune, vascular, and stromal compartments, which enables the study of radiobiology at a systems biology level. Third, they provide exquisite control over the genetics and kinetics of tumor initiation, which enables the study of specific gene mutations on radiation response and functional genomics in vivo. Taken together, these facets allow researchers to utilize GEMMs for rigorous and reproducible preclinical research. In the three decades since the generation of the first GEMMs of cancer, advancements in modeling approaches have rapidly progressed and expanded the mouse modeling toolbox with techniques such as in vivo short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown, inducible gene expression, site-specific recombinases, and dual recombinase systems. Our lab and many others have utilized these tools to study cancer and radiobiology. Recent advances in genome engineering with CRISPR/Cas9 technology have made GEMMs even more accessible to researchers. Here, we review current and future approaches to mouse modeling with a focus on applications in preclinical radiobiology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine D. Castle
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Amy J. Wisdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David G. Kirsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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26
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Koontz BF, Verhaegen F, De Ruysscher D. Tumour and normal tissue radiobiology in mouse models: how close are mice to mini-humans? Br J Radiol 2017; 90:20160441. [PMID: 27612010 PMCID: PMC5605019 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal modelling is essential to the study of radiobiology and the advancement of clinical radiation oncology by providing preclinical data. Mouse models in particular have been highly utilized in the study of both tumour and normal tissue radiobiology because of their cost effectiveness and versatility. Technology has significantly advanced in preclinical radiation techniques to allow highly conformal image-guided irradiation of small animals in an effort to mimic human treatment capabilities. However, the biological and physical limitations of animal modelling should be recognized and considered when interpreting preclinical radiotherapy (RT) studies. Murine tumour and normal tissue radioresponse has been shown to vary from human cellular and molecular pathways. Small animal irradiation techniques utilize different anatomical boundaries and may have different physical properties than human RT. This review addresses the difference between the human condition and mouse models and discusses possible strategies for future refinement of murine models of cancer and radiation for the benefit of both basic radiobiology and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget F Koontz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Frank Verhaegen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW—School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW—School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Oncology, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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27
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Schyns LEJR, Almeida IP, van Hoof SJ, Descamps B, Vanhove C, Landry G, Granton PV, Verhaegen F. Optimizing dual energy cone beam CT protocols for preclinical imaging and radiation research. Br J Radiol 2016; 90:20160480. [PMID: 27683003 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this work was to investigate whether quantitative dual-energy CT (DECT) imaging is feasible for small animal irradiators with an integrated cone-beam CT (CBCT) system. METHODS The optimal imaging protocols were determined by analyzing different energy combinations and dose levels. The influence of beam hardening effects and the performance of a beam hardening correction (BHC) were investigated. In addition, two systems from different manufacturers were compared in terms of errors in the extracted effective atomic numbers (Zeff) and relative electron densities (ρe) for phantom inserts with known elemental compositions and relative electron densities. RESULTS The optimal energy combination was determined to be 50 and 90 kVp. For this combination, Zeff and ρe can be extracted with a mean error of 0.11 and 0.010, respectively, at a dose level of 60 cGy. CONCLUSION Quantitative DECT imaging is feasible for small animal irradiators with an integrated CBCT system. To obtain the best results, optimizing the imaging protocols is required. Well-separated X-ray spectra and a sufficient dose level should be used to minimize the error and noise for Zeff and ρe. When no BHC is applied in the image reconstruction, the size of the calibration phantom should match the size of the imaged object to limit the influence of beam hardening effects. No significant differences in Zeff and ρe errors are observed between the two systems from different manufacturers. Advances in knowledge: This is the first study that investigates quantitative DECT imaging for small animal irradiators with an integrated CBCT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte E J R Schyns
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Isabel P Almeida
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan J van Hoof
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Benedicte Descamps
- 2 iMinds Medical IT-IBiTech-MEDISIP-INFINITY, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian Vanhove
- 2 iMinds Medical IT-IBiTech-MEDISIP-INFINITY, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Landry
- 3 Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick V Granton
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Frank Verhaegen
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,4 Medical Physics Unit, Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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28
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Gregg CL, Butcher JT. Comparative analysis of metallic nanoparticles as exogenous soft tissue contrast for live in vivo micro-computed tomography imaging of avian embryonic morphogenesis. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:1001-10. [PMID: 27447729 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestationally survivable congenital malformations arise during mid-late stages of development that are inaccessible in vivo with traditional optical imaging for assessing long-term abnormal patterning. MicroCT is an attractive technology to rapidly and inexpensively generate quantitative three-dimensional (3D) datasets but requires exogenous contrast media. Here we establish dose-dependent toxicity, persistence, and biodistribution of three different metallic nanoparticles in day 4 chick embryos. RESULTS We determined that 110-nm alkaline earth metal particles were nontoxic and persisted in the chick embryo for up to 24 hr postinjection with contrast enhancement levels at high as 1,600 Hounsfield units (HU). The 15-nm gold nanoparticles persisted with x-ray attenuation higher than that of the surrounding yolk and albumen for up to 8 hr postinjection, while 1.9-nm particles resulted in lethality by 8 hr. We identified spatial and temporally heterogeneous contrast enhancement ranging from 250 to 1,600 HU. With the most optimal 110-nm alkaline earth metal particles, we quantified an exponential increase in the tissue perfusion vs. distance from the dorsal aorta into the flank over 8 hr with a peak perfusion rate of 0.7 μm(2) /s measured at a distance of 0.3 mm. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and opportunity of nanoparticle based contrast media in live embryos for quantitative analysis of embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 245:1001-1010, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea L Gregg
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
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29
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Clark DP, Lee CL, Kirsch DG, Badea CT. Spectrotemporal CT data acquisition and reconstruction at low dose. Med Phys 2016; 42:6317-36. [PMID: 26520724 DOI: 10.1118/1.4931407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE X-ray computed tomography (CT) is widely used, both clinically and preclinically, for fast, high-resolution anatomic imaging; however, compelling opportunities exist to expand its use in functional imaging applications. For instance, spectral information combined with nanoparticle contrast agents enables quantification of tissue perfusion levels, while temporal information details cardiac and respiratory dynamics. The authors propose and demonstrate a projection acquisition and reconstruction strategy for 5D CT (3D+dual energy+time) which recovers spectral and temporal information without substantially increasing radiation dose or sampling time relative to anatomic imaging protocols. METHODS The authors approach the 5D reconstruction problem within the framework of low-rank and sparse matrix decomposition. Unlike previous work on rank-sparsity constrained CT reconstruction, the authors establish an explicit rank-sparse signal model to describe the spectral and temporal dimensions. The spectral dimension is represented as a well-sampled time and energy averaged image plus regularly undersampled principal components describing the spectral contrast. The temporal dimension is represented as the same time and energy averaged reconstruction plus contiguous, spatially sparse, and irregularly sampled temporal contrast images. Using a nonlinear, image domain filtration approach, the authors refer to as rank-sparse kernel regression, the authors transfer image structure from the well-sampled time and energy averaged reconstruction to the spectral and temporal contrast images. This regularization strategy strictly constrains the reconstruction problem while approximately separating the temporal and spectral dimensions. Separability results in a highly compressed representation for the 5D data in which projections are shared between the temporal and spectral reconstruction subproblems, enabling substantial undersampling. The authors solved the 5D reconstruction problem using the split Bregman method and GPU-based implementations of backprojection, reprojection, and kernel regression. Using a preclinical mouse model, the authors apply the proposed algorithm to study myocardial injury following radiation treatment of breast cancer. RESULTS Quantitative 5D simulations are performed using the MOBY mouse phantom. Twenty data sets (ten cardiac phases, two energies) are reconstructed with 88 μm, isotropic voxels from 450 total projections acquired over a single 360° rotation. In vivo 5D myocardial injury data sets acquired in two mice injected with gold and iodine nanoparticles are also reconstructed with 20 data sets per mouse using the same acquisition parameters (dose: ∼60 mGy). For both the simulations and the in vivo data, the reconstruction quality is sufficient to perform material decomposition into gold and iodine maps to localize the extent of myocardial injury (gold accumulation) and to measure cardiac functional metrics (vascular iodine). Their 5D CT imaging protocol represents a 95% reduction in radiation dose per cardiac phase and energy and a 40-fold decrease in projection sampling time relative to their standard imaging protocol. CONCLUSIONS Their 5D CT data acquisition and reconstruction protocol efficiently exploits the rank-sparse nature of spectral and temporal CT data to provide high-fidelity reconstruction results without increased radiation dose or sampling time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darin P Clark
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Chang-Lung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - David G Kirsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710 and Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Cristian T Badea
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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Ashton JR, West JL, Badea CT. In vivo small animal micro-CT using nanoparticle contrast agents. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:256. [PMID: 26581654 PMCID: PMC4631946 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most valuable modalities for in vivo imaging because it is fast, high-resolution, cost-effective, and non-invasive. Moreover, CT is heavily used not only in the clinic (for both diagnostics and treatment planning) but also in preclinical research as micro-CT. Although CT is inherently effective for lung and bone imaging, soft tissue imaging requires the use of contrast agents. For small animal micro-CT, nanoparticle contrast agents are used in order to avoid rapid renal clearance. A variety of nanoparticles have been used for micro-CT imaging, but the majority of research has focused on the use of iodine-containing nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles. Both nanoparticle types can act as highly effective blood pool contrast agents or can be targeted using a wide variety of targeting mechanisms. CT imaging can be further enhanced by adding spectral capabilities to separate multiple co-injected nanoparticles in vivo. Spectral CT, using both energy-integrating and energy-resolving detectors, has been used with multiple contrast agents to enable functional and molecular imaging. This review focuses on new developments for in vivo small animal micro-CT using novel nanoparticle probes applied in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Ashton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA ; Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, USA
| | - Jennifer L West
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC, USA
| | - Cristian T Badea
- Department of Radiology, Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC, USA
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Clark DP, Badea CT. Micro-CT of rodents: state-of-the-art and future perspectives. Phys Med 2014; 30:619-34. [PMID: 24974176 PMCID: PMC4138257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Micron-scale computed tomography (micro-CT) is an essential tool for phenotyping and for elucidating diseases and their therapies. This work is focused on preclinical micro-CT imaging, reviewing relevant principles, technologies, and applications. Commonly, micro-CT provides high-resolution anatomic information, either on its own or in conjunction with lower-resolution functional imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). More recently, however, advanced applications of micro-CT produce functional information by translating clinical applications to model systems (e.g., measuring cardiac functional metrics) and by pioneering new ones (e.g. measuring tumor vascular permeability with nanoparticle contrast agents). The primary limitations of micro-CT imaging are the associated radiation dose and relatively poor soft tissue contrast. We review several image reconstruction strategies based on iterative, statistical, and gradient sparsity regularization, demonstrating that high image quality is achievable with low radiation dose given ever more powerful computational resources. We also review two contrast mechanisms under intense development. The first is spectral contrast for quantitative material discrimination in combination with passive or actively targeted nanoparticle contrast agents. The second is phase contrast which measures refraction in biological tissues for improved contrast and potentially reduced radiation dose relative to standard absorption imaging. These technological advancements promise to develop micro-CT into a commonplace, functional and even molecular imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Clark
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - C T Badea
- Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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