Image Guidance and Assessment of Radiation Induced Gene Therapy
Abstract
Image guidance and assessment techniques are being developed for combined radiation/gene therapy, which utilizes a radiation-inducible gene promoter to cause expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha in irradiated tissues. TNF attacks vasculature, increasing the tumor killing effect of radiation. The radiation confines TNF toxicity to the irradiated region. This therapy has proven effective in several animal tumor models and phase I clinical trials. This project is developing imaging to visualize the effects of the combined modality therapy, by combining electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI), mapping oxygen concentration in 3D in vivo, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), measuring quantities such as vascular permeability and perfusion rate that reflect the status of vasculature. EPRI and MRI of prostate tumors in mice and rats will be conducted. Fusing the two sets of images from the same tumor before, during and after therapy, an image-derived signature will be developed which identifies regions responding well to therapy. In the final stage, this information will be used as the basis of an adaptive treatment regimen where regions that have responded less well will be given a boost, via image guided injection of additional gene vector prior to the next fraction of radiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424653
Entities
People
- Charles A. Pelizzari
Organizations
- University of Chicago