Lattice Radiation Therapy for Canine Sinonasal Carcinoma: Feasibility Study of Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy

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Research investigators from Colorado State University have successfully conducted a feasibility study on using lattice radiation therapy for canine sinonasal carcinoma. The study aimed to explore the potential of delivering spatially fractionated doses to tumor volumes while minimizing damage to normal tissues. The researchers employed volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to achieve the desired treatment plan criteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that lattice radiotherapy (LRT) can be feasibly implemented for canine sinonasal carcinoma using VMAT, meeting all planned criteria, including placing 3 vertices of high dose "peak" regions within the gross target volume (GTV) separated by low dose "valley" regions, achieving a 3:1 and 5:1 peak-to-valley dose ratios (PVDR), meeting organ at risk (OAR) dose constraints, and meeting quality assurance (QA) standards.
  • The study also investigated the impact of dose calculation algorithms and grid size on dosimetry, finding that anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) overestimated the dose in both peak and valley regions compared to Acuros with Beam with XB (AXB), while increasing the dose calculation grid size from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm led to underestimation of the lattice metrics and overestimation of the valley dose.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of high-resolution LRT plans and the need for further investigations to define the most appropriate QA approach for such plans.

Statistics:

  • 20 treatment plans were generated from 10 image sets from dogs with SC.
  • The median center-to-center distance between the 3 vertices was 30 mm (range: 26-41 mm).
  • 100% of the plans met OAR constraints and passed QA with a gamma index > 95%.
  • When using AXB, the calculated PVDR changed by -3.4% and -4.7% with grid size increases from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm, respectively.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from Colorado State University Advance Knowledge in Veterinary Research (Lattice radiation therapy for canine sinonasal carcinoma: feasibility study of spatially fractionated radiotherapy using volumetric modulated arc therapy). Veterinary Week. October 20, 2025; p 74.
  • Lattice radiation therapy for canine sinonasal carcinoma: feasibility study of spatially fractionated radiotherapy using volumetric modulated arc therapy. BMC Veterinary Research, 2025; 21(1): 598.