Kilovoltage radiotherapy for companion animals: dosimetric comparison of 300 kV, 450 kV, and 6 MV X-ray beams
10.4142/jvs.2018.19.4.550
- Author:
Jaehyeon SEO
1
;
Jaeman SON
;
Yeona CHO
;
Nohwon PARK
;
Dong Wook KIM
;
Jinsung KIM
;
Myonggeun YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Bio-Convergence Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea. radioyoon@korea.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
X-ray;
companion animals;
radiation therapy
- MeSH:
Abdomen;
Animals;
Brain;
Brain Neoplasms;
Friends;
Hospitals, Animal;
Humans;
Nasal Cavity;
Pets;
Radiotherapy;
Therapeutic Uses
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science
2018;19(4):550-556
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer in companion animals is currently administered by using megavoltage X-ray machines. Because these machines are expensive, most animal hospitals do not perform radiotherapy. This study evaluated the ability of relatively inexpensive kilovoltage X-ray machines to treat companion animals. A simulation study based on a commercial treatment-planning system was performed for tumors of the brain (non-infectious meningoencephalitis), nasal cavity (malignant nasal tumors), forefoot (malignant muscular tumors), and abdomen (malignant intestinal tumors). The results of kilovoltage (300 kV and 450 kV) and megavoltage (6 MV) X-ray beams were compared. Whereas the 300 kV and 6 MV X-ray beams provided optimal radiation dose homogeneity and conformity, respectively, for brain tumors, the 6 MV X-rays provided optimal homogeneity and radiation conformity for nasal cavity, forefoot, and abdominal tumors. Although megavoltage X-ray beams provided better radiation dose distribution in most treated animals, the differences between megavoltage and kilovoltage X-ray beams were relatively small. The similar therapeutic effects of the kilovoltage and 6 MV X-ray beams suggest that kilovoltage X-ray beams may be effective alternatives to megavoltage X-ray beams in treating cancers in companion animals.
