A Prospective Study on Tumor Hypoxia Kinetics to Implement Hypoxic Imaging-Guided IMRT

English

Diana Stripp, MD
University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
Ultima Vez Modificado: 6 de noviembre del 2001

Presenter: Chao, KS
Presenter's Affiliation: Radiology, Washington University, St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Type of Session: Scientific

Background

Unsatisfactory local/regional tumor control for locally advanced cancers with radiation therapy is in part associated with the phenomenon of tumor hypoxia.

There is a lack of non-invasive and reproducible methods to identify hypoxia in human tumors.

This study was designed to evaluate a Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging-based hypoxia measurement technique employing a Cu(II)-diacetyl-bis(N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) (Cu-ATSM) tracer

This information was used to evaluate hypoxia image guided Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Materials and Methods

16 pts with head and neck carcinoma were prospectively enrolled in this study.

A co-registration system with CT and PET was integrated into the thermoplastic immobilization head mask for image fusion.

Gross tumor volume (GTV) was delineated based on physical and radiological findings.

HGTV - hypoxic tumor volume was guided by ATSM.

Cu-ATSM PET scan was performed before RT, at 20 Gy, and at 40 Gy to study the evolution of tumor hypoxia.

Results

Imaging distortion after CT and PET image co-registration were within 2 mm.

ATSM-avid or hypoxic tumor sub-volume (hGTV) was successfully defined using the CT/PET imaging fusion.

We further demonstrate the feasibility of Cu-ATSM-guided IMRT by showing that the radiation dose to the hGTV could be escalated without compromising normal tissue (parotid glands and spinal cord) sparing.

Tumor hypoxia evolution was observed during the course of RT.

Author's Conclusions

Cu-ATSM-guided IMRT approach through co-registering hypoxia 60Cu-ATSM PET to the corresponding CT images for IMRT planning is feasible.

Information on tumor hypoxic kinetics will expand our understanding of target volume uncertainty before implementing this novel therapeutic approach to patients with locally advanced tumor.

Clinical/Scientific Implications

This imaging guided approach to IMRT can further assist in definition of target volume and may allow dose escalation with normal tissue sparing.

It remains unclear if dose escalation to hypoxic regions of a tumor will improve outcomes of treatment

This is a very interesting area of research that deserves continued evaluation

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Cancer Types
Bone Cancer
Brain Tumors
Breast Cancer
Carcinoid Tumors
Endocrine System Cancers
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gynecologic Cancers
Head and Neck Cancers
Leukemia
Lung Cancers
Lymphomas
Myelomas
Pediatric Cancers
Penile Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Sarcomas
Skin Cancers
Testicular Cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Urinary Tract Cancers
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