Presenter of 1 Presentation
LONGITUDINAL IN-VIVO ASSESSMENT OF MOUSE SKIN DAMAGE WITH FUNCTIONAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN FLASH VERSUS CONVENTIONAL RADIOTHERAPY
Abstract
Background and Aims
Reduced skin toxicity is now shown pre-clinically after >40Gy/s FLASH radiotherapy (RT) as compared to ~0.03Gy/s conventional RT. While this area of study has been advanced significantly, the biological basis of the FLASH sparing effect on skin is yet to be discovered, and diagnostic tools to assess the response biological mechanisms and tools that can be used in the translation of FLASH study in humans are needed. Here we report on direct mechanistic in situ measurements of skin damage, with the aim to quantify and compare microstructural and microvascular changes in skin after RT, while varying dose and supporting the findings with ex vivo histological observations.
Methods
In IACUC approved animal study, right thighs of 54 nude mice (n=6 per dose group) were treated with 0-40Gy single doses of 300Gy/s FLASH and conventional RT. Skin was imaged with functional optical coherence tomography - a non-invasive microscopic 3D imaging technique with light penetration at 1-3 millimeter depths in biological tissues.
Results
Quantification was completed for skin pigmentation, epidermal thickness, remodeling of collagen fibers, alteration of blood and lymphatic networks. These demonstrated inter-connected “passenger versus driver” temporal behaviors of skin tissue components in both RT-treatment types. Response to FLASH RT was characterized by reduced damage to collagen bundles and blood/lymphatic networks together with less desquamation of skin surface (less damage to epidermis) and higher pigmentation.
Conclusions
This study presents first of its kind in-vivo functional longitudinal observations and quantification of the comparative FLASH effects in a mouse model of skin early damage, healing and recovery.
Author Of 1 Presentation
LONGITUDINAL IN-VIVO ASSESSMENT OF MOUSE SKIN DAMAGE WITH FUNCTIONAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IN FLASH VERSUS CONVENTIONAL RADIOTHERAPY
Abstract
Background and Aims
Reduced skin toxicity is now shown pre-clinically after >40Gy/s FLASH radiotherapy (RT) as compared to ~0.03Gy/s conventional RT. While this area of study has been advanced significantly, the biological basis of the FLASH sparing effect on skin is yet to be discovered, and diagnostic tools to assess the response biological mechanisms and tools that can be used in the translation of FLASH study in humans are needed. Here we report on direct mechanistic in situ measurements of skin damage, with the aim to quantify and compare microstructural and microvascular changes in skin after RT, while varying dose and supporting the findings with ex vivo histological observations.
Methods
In IACUC approved animal study, right thighs of 54 nude mice (n=6 per dose group) were treated with 0-40Gy single doses of 300Gy/s FLASH and conventional RT. Skin was imaged with functional optical coherence tomography - a non-invasive microscopic 3D imaging technique with light penetration at 1-3 millimeter depths in biological tissues.
Results
Quantification was completed for skin pigmentation, epidermal thickness, remodeling of collagen fibers, alteration of blood and lymphatic networks. These demonstrated inter-connected “passenger versus driver” temporal behaviors of skin tissue components in both RT-treatment types. Response to FLASH RT was characterized by reduced damage to collagen bundles and blood/lymphatic networks together with less desquamation of skin surface (less damage to epidermis) and higher pigmentation.
Conclusions
This study presents first of its kind in-vivo functional longitudinal observations and quantification of the comparative FLASH effects in a mouse model of skin early damage, healing and recovery.