ESTRO ACROP: Technology for precision small animal radiotherapy research: Optimal use and challenges

Frank Verhaegen*, Ludwig Dubois, Stefano Gianolini, Mark A. Hill, Christian P. Karger, Kirsten Lauber, Kevin M. Prise, David Sarrut, Daniela Thorwarth, Christian Vanhove, Boris Vojnovic, Robert Weersink, Jan J. Wilkens, Dietmar Georg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Many radiotherapy research centers have recently installed novel research platforms enabling the investigation of the radiation response of tumors and normal tissues in small animal models, possibly in combination with other treatment modalities. Many more research institutes are expected to follow in the coming years. These novel platforms are capable of mimicking human radiotherapy more closely than older technology. To facilitate the optimal use of these novel integrated precision irradiators and various small animal imaging devices, and to maximize the impact of the associated research, the ESTRO committee on coordinating guidelines ACROP (Advisory Committee in Radiation Oncology Practice) has commissioned a report to review the state of the art of the technology used in this new field of research, and to issue recommendations. This report discusses the combination of precision irradiation systems, small animal imaging (CT, MRI, PET, SPECT, bioluminescence) systems, image registration, treatment planning, and data processing. It also provides guidelines for reporting on studies. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Radiotherapy and Oncology 126 (2018) 471-478 This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)471-478
Number of pages8
JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology
Volume126
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • Radiotherapy
  • Precision
  • Small animal
  • Image guided
  • Irradiation
  • RADIATION RESEARCH PLATFORM
  • RELATIVE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS
  • DIFFUSE OPTICAL TOMOGRAPHY
  • BIOLUMINESCENCE TOMOGRAPHY
  • DOSE CALCULATIONS
  • IMAGE QUALITY
  • CONFORMAL RADIOTHERAPY
  • PRECLINICAL RESEARCH
  • TISSUE SEGMENTATION
  • MICRO-CT

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