Commissioning, clinical implementation, and initial experience with a new brain tumor treatment package on a low-field MR-linac.

To evaluate the image quality, dosimetric properties, setup reproducibility, and planar cine motion detection of a high-resolution brain coil and integrated stereotactic brain immobilization system that constitute a new brain treatment package (BTP) on a low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) linear accelerator (MR-linac). Image quality of the high-resolution brain coil was evaluated with the 17 cm diameter spherical phantom and the American College of Radiology (ACR) Large MRI Phantom. Patient imaging studies approved by the institutional review board (IRB) assisted in selecting image acquisition parameters. Radiographic and dosimetric evaluation of the high-resolution brain coil and the associated immobilization devices was performed using dose calculations and ion chamber measurements. End-to-end testing was performed simulating a cranial lesion in a phantom. Inter-fraction setup variability and motion detection tests were evaluated on four healthy volunteers. Inter-fraction variability was assessed based on three repeat setups for each volunteer. Motion detection was evaluated using three-plane (axial, coronal, and sagittal) MR-cine imaging sessions, where volunteers were asked to perform a set of specific motions. The images were post-processed and evaluated using an in-house program. Contrast resolution of the high-resolution brain coil is superior to the head/neck and torso coils. The BTP receiver coils have an average HU value of 525 HU. The most significant radiation attenuation (3.14%) of the BTP, occurs through the lateral portion of the overlay board where the high-precision lateral-profile mask clips attach to the overlay. The greatest inter-fraction setup variability occurred in the pitch (average 1.08 degree) and translationally in the superior/inferior direction (average 4.88 mm). Three plane cine imaging with the BTP was able to detect large and small motions. Small voluntary motions, sub-millimeter in magnitude (maximum 0.9 mm), from motion of external limbs were detected. Imaging tests, inter-fraction setup variability, attenuation, and end-to-end measurements were quantified and performed for the BTP. Results demonstrate better contrast resolution and low contrast detectability that allows for better visualization of soft tissue anatomical changes relative to head/neck and torso coil systems.

Impact of intrafraction motion in pancreatic cancer treatments with MR-guided adaptive radiation therapy.

Purpose: The total time of radiation treatment delivery for pancreatic cancer patients with daily online adaptive radiation therapy (ART) on an MR-Linac can range from 50 to 90 min. During this period, the target and normal tissues undergo changes due to respiration and physiologic organ motion. We evaluated the dosimetric impact of the intrafraction physiological organ changes. Methods: Ten locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients were treated with 50 Gy in five fractions with intensity-modulated respiratory-gated radiation therapy on a 0.35-T MR-Linac. Patients received both pre- and post-treatment volumetric MRIs for each fraction. Gastrointestinal organs at risk (GI-OARs) were delineated on the pre-treatment MRI during the online ART process and retrospectively on the post-treatment MRI. The treated dose distribution for each adaptive plan was assessed on the post-treatment anatomy. Prescribed dose volume histogram metrics for the scheduled plan on the pre-treatment anatomy, the adapted plan on the pre-treatment anatomy, and the adapted plan on post-treatment anatomy were compared to the OAR-defined criteria for adaptation: the volume of the GI-OAR receiving greater than 33 Gy (V33Gy) should be ≤1 cubic centimeter. Results: Across the 50 adapted plans for the 10 patients studied, 70% were adapted to meet the duodenum constraint, 74% for the stomach, 12% for the colon, and 48% for the small bowel. Owing to intrafraction organ motion, at the time of post-treatment imaging, the adaptive criteria were exceeded for the duodenum in 62% of fractions, the stomach in 36%, the colon in 10%, and the small bowel in 48%. Compared to the scheduled plan, the post-treatment plans showed a decrease in the V33Gy, demonstrating the benefit of plan adaptation for 66% of the fractions for the duodenum, 95% for the stomach, 100% for the colon, and 79% for the small bowel. Conclusion: Post-treatment images demonstrated that over the course of the adaptive plan generation and delivery, the GI-OARs moved from their isotoxic low-dose region and nearer to the dose-escalated high-dose region, exceeding dose-volume constraints. Intrafraction motion can have a significant dosimetric impact; therefore, measures to mitigate this motion are needed. Despite consistent intrafraction motion, plan adaptation still provides a dosimetric benefit.

MRI-guided Radiotherapy (MRgRT) for Treatment of Oligometastases: Review of Clinical Applications and Challenges.

PURPOSE: Early clinical results on the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with a linear accelerator to deliver Magnetic Resonance-guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) have demonstrated feasibility for safe delivery of stereotactic body radiation therapy in treatment of oligometastatic disease. Here, we set out to review the clinical evidence and challenges associated with MRgRT in this setting. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to clinical experiences and trials on the use of MRgRT primarily for the treatment of oligometastatic cancers. We reviewed the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of MRgRT. RESULTS: Benefits of MRgRT pertaining to superior soft-tissue contrast, real-time imaging and gating, and online adaptive radiation therapy facilitate safe and effective dose escalation to oligometastatic tumors while simultaneously sparing surrounding healthy tissues. Challenges concerning further need for clinical evidence and technical considerations related to planning, delivery, quality assurance of hypofractionated doses, and safety in the MRI environment must be considered. CONCLUSIONS: The promising early indications of safety and effectiveness of MRgRT for stereotactic body radiation therapy-based treatment of oligometastatic disease in multiple treatment locations should lead to further clinical evidence to demonstrate the benefit of this technology.

Muscle-directed gene therapy corrects Pompe disease and uncovers species-specific GAA immunogenicity.

Pompe disease is a severe disorder caused by loss of acid α-glucosidase (GAA), leading to glycogen accumulation in tissues and neuromuscular and cardiac dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy is the only available treatment. AT845 is an adeno-associated viral vector designed to express human GAA specifically in skeletal muscle and heart. Systemic administration of AT845 in Gaa-/- mice led to a dose-dependent increase in GAA activity, glycogen clearance in muscles and heart, and functional improvement. AT845 was tolerated in cynomolgus macaques at low doses, while high doses caused anti-GAA immune response, inflammation, and cardiac abnormalities resulting in unscheduled euthanasia of two animals. Conversely, a vector expressing the macaque GAA caused no detectable pathology, indicating that the toxicity observed with AT845 was an anti-GAA xenogeneic immune response. Western blot analysis showed abnormal processing of human GAA in cynomolgus muscle, adding to the species-specific effects of enzyme expression. Overall, these studies show that AAV-mediated GAA delivery to muscle is efficacious in Gaa-/- mice and highlight limitations in predicting the toxicity of AAV vectors encoding human proteins in non-human species.

Dosimetric Evaluation of Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy for Skull Base Meningiomas Using HyperArc and Multicriteria Optimization.

PURPOSE: Treatment planning of skull based meningiomas can be difficult due to the irregular shaped target volumes and proximity to critical optic structures. This study evaluated the use of HyperArc (HA) radiosurgery optimization and delivery in conjunction with multicriteria optimization (MCO) to create conformal and efficient treatment plans for conventionally fractionated radiation therapy to difficult base-of-skull (BOS) lesions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twelve patients with BOS meningioma were retrospectively planned with HA-specific optimization algorithm, stereotactic normal tissue objective (SRS-NTO), and conventional automatic normal tissue objective to evaluate normal brain sparing (mean dose and V20 Gy). MCO was used on both SRS-NTO and automatic normal tissue objective plans to further decrease organ-at-risk doses and target dose maximum to within clinically acceptable constraints. Delivery efficiency was evaluated based on planned monitor units. RESULTS: The SRS-NTO in HA can be used to improve the mid- and low-dose spread to normal brain tissue in the irradiation of BOS meningiomas. Improvement in normal brain sparing can be seen in larger, more irregular shaped lesions and less so in smaller spherical targets. MCO can be used in conjunction with the SRS-NTO to reduce target dose maximum and dose to organ at risk without sacrificing the gain in normal brain sparing. CONCLUSIONS: HA can be beneficial both in treatment planning by using the SRS-NTO and in delivery efficiency through the decrease in monitor units and automated delivery.

Development and evaluation of a novel MR-compatible pelvic end-to-end phantom.

MR-only treatment planning and MR-IGRT leverage MRI's powerful soft tissue contrast for high-precision radiation therapy. However, anthropomorphic MR-compatible phantoms are currently limited. This work describes the development and evaluation of a custom-designed, modular, pelvic end-to-end (PETE) MR-compatible phantom to benchmark MR-only and MR-IGRT workflows. For construction considerations, subject data were assessed for phantom/skeletal geometry and internal organ kinematics to simulate average male pelvis anatomy. Various materials for the bone, bladder, and rectum were evaluated for utility within the phantom. Once constructed, PETE underwent CT-SIM, MR-Linac, and MR-SIM imaging to qualitatively assess organ visibility. Scans were acquired with various bladder and rectal volumes to assess component interactions, filling capabilities, and filling reproducibility via volume and centroid differences. PETE simulates average male pelvis anatomy and comprises an acrylic body oval (height/width = 23.0/38.1 cm) and a cast-mold urethane skeleton, with silicone balloons simulating bladder and rectum, a silicone sponge prostate, and hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) foam to simulate fat/tissue separation between organs. Access ports enable retrofitting the phantom with other inserts including point/film-based dosimetry options. Acceptable contrast was achievable in CT-SIM and MR-Linac images. However, the bladder was challenging to distinguish from background in CT-SIM. The desired contrast for T1-weighted and T2-weighted MR-SIM (dark and bright bladders, respectively) was achieved. Rectum and bone exhibited no MR signal. Inputted volumes differed by <5 and <10 mL from delineated rectum (CT-SIM) and bladder (MR-SIM) volumes. Increasing bladder and rectal volumes induced organ displacements and shape variations. Reproduced volumes differed by <4.5 mL, with centroid displacements <1.4 mm. A point dose measurement with an MR-compatible ion chamber in an MR-Linac was within 1.5% of expected. A novel, modular phantom was developed with suitable materials and properties that accurately and reproducibly simulate status changes with multiple dosimetry options. Future work includes integrating more realistic organ models to further expand phantom options.

Lessons from human teratomas to guide development of safe stem cell therapies.

The potential for the formation of teratomas or other neoplasms is a major safety roadblock to clinical application of pluripotent stem cell therapies. Preclinical assessment of the risk of tumor formation in this context poses considerable scientific and regulatory challenges, especially because animal xenograft models may not properly reflect the long-term tumorigenic potential of human cells. A better understanding of the biology of spontaneously occurring teratomas and related tumors in humans can help to guide efforts to assess and minimize the potential hazards of embryonic stem cell or induced pluripotent stem cell therapeutics. Here we review the features of teratomas derived experimentally from human pluripotent stem cells and argue that they most closely resemble spontaneous benign teratomas that occur early in both mouse and human life. The natural history and pathology of these spontaneously occurring teratomas provide important clues for preclinical safety assessment and patient monitoring in trials of stem cell therapies.

Pancreatic endoderm derived from human embryonic stem cells generates glucose-responsive insulin-secreting cells in vivo.

Development of a cell therapy for diabetes would be greatly aided by a renewable supply of human beta-cells. Here we show that pancreatic endoderm derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells efficiently generates glucose-responsive endocrine cells after implantation into mice. Upon glucose stimulation of the implanted mice, human insulin and C-peptide are detected in sera at levels similar to those of mice transplanted with approximately 3,000 human islets. Moreover, the insulin-expressing cells generated after engraftment exhibit many properties of functional beta-cells, including expression of critical beta-cell transcription factors, appropriate processing of proinsulin and the presence of mature endocrine secretory granules. Finally, in a test of therapeutic potential, we demonstrate that implantation of hES cell-derived pancreatic endoderm protects against streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia. Together, these data provide definitive evidence that hES cells are competent to generate glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting cells.

AAV2-mediated delivery of human neurturin to the rat nigrostriatal system: long-term efficacy and tolerability of CERE-120 for Parkinson's disease.

Neurturin (NTN) is a neurotrophic factor with known potential to protect and restore the function of dopaminergic substantia nigra neurons whose degeneration has been most closely linked to the major motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD). CERE-120, an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2)-based gene delivery vector encoding human NTN, is being developed as a potential therapeutic for PD. In a series of preclinical studies reported herein, CERE-120 delivery to the striatum produced a dose-related neuroprotection of nigrostriatal neurons in the rat 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion model. Long-lasting efficacy of CERE-120 was evidenced by substantia nigra cell protection, preserved fiber innervation of the striatum, and behavioral recovery for at least 6 months. In addition, striatal infusion of CERE-120 was found to have a safety and tolerability profile devoid of side effects or toxicological responses, for at least 12 months post-treatment, even at dose multiples 125 times that of the lowest efficacious dose tested. These results support the ongoing CERE-120 clinical program in PD patients.

Striatal delivery of neurturin by CERE-120, an AAV2 vector for the treatment of dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or its naturally occurring analog, neurturin (NTN), can potentially improve the function and delay the rate of degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, their delivery to the central nervous system has proven to be a significant challenge. Viral vector-mediated gene transfer offers a practical means to continuously supply neurotrophic factors in targeted areas of the brain. CERE-120 is an adeno-associated viral vector encoding NTN, developed for the treatment of PD. We found that the kinetics and pattern of NTN expression in the rat striatum following injection of CERE-120 is rapid, increases significantly up to 4 weeks, and exhibits a stable volume of distribution thereafter for at least 1 year, the longest time-point evaluated. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that steady-state levels are maintained from 4 weeks onward. We demonstrated that NTN volume of distribution can be controlled by varying the dose of vector injected and that NTN delivered via CERE-120 was bioactive, as evidenced by the neuroprotection of DA neurons in the rat 6-hydroxydopamine lesion model. These data provided the foundation for further non-clinical development of CERE-120, leading to an ongoing clinical trial in PD patients.

The Arf tumor suppressor gene promotes hyaloid vascular regression during mouse eye development.

A key tumor suppressor mechanism that is disrupted frequently in human cancer involves the ARF and p53 genes. In mouse fibroblasts, the Arf gene product responds to abnormal mitogenic signals to activate p53 and trigger either cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Recent evidence indicates that Arf also has p53-independent functions that may contribute to its tumor suppressor activity. Using Arf(-/-) and p53(-/-) mice, we have discovered a p53-independent requirement for Arf in the developmental regression of the hyaloid vascular system (HVS) in the mouse eye. Arf is expressed in the vitreous of the eye and is induced before HVS regression in the first postnatal week. In the absence of Arf, failed HVS regression causes a pathological process that resembles persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, a developmental human eye disease thought to have a genetic basis. These findings demonstrate an essential and unexpected role for Arf during mouse eye development, provide insights into the potential genetic basis for persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, and indicate that Arf regulates vascular regression in a p53-independent manner. The latter finding raises the possibility that Arf may function as a tumor suppressor at least in part by regulating tumor angiogenesis.

The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p19(Ink4d) and p27(Kip1) are coexpressed in select retinal cells and act cooperatively to control cell cycle exit.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (cdki's), including p19(Ink4d) and p27(Kip1), mediate exit from the cell cycle. To determine the function of these cdki's in regulating neurogenesis, we examined retina from wild-type, Ink4d-null, and Ink4d/Kip1-double null animals. Ink4d was expressed in progenitors and select neurons in the mature retina. Ink4d-null retina showed an extended period of proliferation, followed by apoptosis. Colabeling for p19(Ink4d) and p27(Kip1) revealed that a subpopulation of cells expressed both inhibitors. Deletion of Ink4d and Kip1 resulted in continued proliferation that was synergistic. This hyperproliferation led to an increase in number of horizontal cells and differentiated neurons reentering the cell cycle. Deletion of Ink4d and Kip1 also exacerbated the retinal dysplasia observed in Kip1-null mice, which was shown to be partly dependent on p53. These data indicate that select retinal cells express both p19(Ink4d) and p27(Kip1) and that they act cooperatively to ensure cell cycle exit.