Bioluminescence image-guided irradiation and tumor monitoring in a preclinical pancreatic cancer mouse model.

Abstract

192 Background: Preclinical pancreatic cancer animal models for radiation research are far from optimal because they utilize nonlocalized, single-beam irradiation of large fields due to lack of accurate targeting and delivery. We report on a novel preclinical pancreatic cancer research model that utilizes bioluminescence imaging (BLI)-guided irradiation (RT) of orthotopic xenograft tumors, sparing of surrounding normal tissues and quantitative, noninvasive longitudinal assessment of treatment response. Methods: In accordance with institutional guidelines, luciferase-expressing MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic carcinoma cells were used to generate orthotopic pancreatic tumors in nude mice. BLI of tumors were correlated to PET/CT and necropsy specimens using Pearson correlation. BLI was compared to cone-beam CT (CBCT) to determine the location of the tumor centroid and estimate an appropriate margin for radiation planning. Off-line fusion of BLI with CBCT was performed to guide radiation delivery to tumors using our small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). RT-induced DNA damage was assessed by γ-H2Ax and p-ATM foci. BLI was used to longitudinally monitor radiation treatment response and was correlated to necropsy specimen. Results: BLI accurately predicted tumor volume (R2 = 0.9961) and correlated well with PET/CT imaging of tumors (R2 = 0.97). BLI centroid accuracy was 3.5 mm relative to that of the CBCT. Irradiated pancreatic tumors stained positively for γ-H2Ax and p-ATM, while surrounding organs were spared. Longitudinal assessment of irradiated (5 Gy) tumors with BLI revealed a significant tumor growth delay of 20 days relative to untreated controls. This was also confirmed pathologically as mean tumor volume of irradiated mice was 30.2% that of unirradiated mice (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We have developed a bioluminescent, orthotopic preclinical pancreas cancer model that allows noninvasive 1) normalizing of pretreatment tumor burden; 2) treatment planning and image-guided focal RT therapy; and 3) longitudinal assessment of treatment response. This unique translational model offers a means to investigate targeted and systemic agents with focused RT for pancreatic cancer. No significant financial relationships to disclose.