An orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer model for image-guided small animal radiotherapy platforms

Objective:Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer worldwide. To increase treatment potential for lung cancer, pre-clinical models that allow testing and follow up of clinically relevant treatment modalities are essential. Therefore, we developed a single-nodule-based orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer tumor model which can be monitored using multimodal non-invasive imaging to select the optimal image–guided radiation treatment plan.Methods:An orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer model in NMRI-nude mice was established to investigate the complementary information acquired from 80 kVp microcone-beam CT (micro–CBCT) and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) using different angles and filter settings. Different micro–CBCT-based radiation-delivery plans were evaluated based on their dose–volume histogram metrics of tumor and organs at risk to select the optimal treatment plan.Results:H1299 cell suspensions injected directly into the lung render exponentially growing single tumor nodules whose CBCT–based volume quantif...