High-precision radiotherapy requires precise positioning, particularly with high single doses. Fiducial markers in combination with onboard imaging are excellent tools to support this. In the study “BioXmark for high-precision radiotherapy in an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model : Experiences with a liquid fiducial marker” Dobiasch S, Kampfer S, et al, establish a pancreatic cancer mouse model for high-precision image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) using the liquid fiducial marker BioXmark®.
In an animal-based cancer model, different volumes of BioXmark® (10-50 µl), application forms, and imaging modalities-cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) incorporated in either the Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) or the small-animal micro-CT Scanner -as well as subsequent radiotherapy with the SARRP system were analyzed to derive recommendations for BioXmark®.
They found that even small volumes (10 µl) of BioXmark® could be detected by CBCT with larger volumes (50 µl) leading to hardening artefacts. The position of BioXmark® was monitored at least weekly by CBCT and was stable over 4 months. BioXmark® was shown to be well tolerated; no changes in physical condition or toxic side effects were observed in comparison to control mice. BioXmark® enabled an exact fusion with the original treatment plan with less hardening artefacts and minimized the application of contrast agent for fractionated radiotherapy.
Therefore, it was concluded that an orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse model could be established for high-precision IGRT using a fiducial marker. BioXmark® was successfully tested and provides the perfect basis for improved imaging in high-precision radiotherapy. BioXmark® enables a unique application method and optimal targeted precision in fractionated radiotherapy. Therefore, preclinical trials evaluating novel fractionation regimens and/or combination treatment with high-end radiotherapy can be performed.
BioXmark® is a proprietary agent manufactured by Nanovi
This Xstrahl In Action was adapted from a article found on a National Library of Medicine website.
