Lung Functional Avoidance Radiotherapy Using Hyperpolarized Xenon MRI

Cancer radiation treatment plans that employ lung functional avoidance methods require 3D maps that differentiate regions of healthy lung function from regions of functional compromised tissue to deliver sufficient dose to the tumor while preserving as much functioning lung as possible. Hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI can provide maps of ventilatory function and gas exchange to the bloodstream. Improving treatment plans based on this novel imaging modality could reduce risk or severity of radiation pneumonitis and improve post-treatment quality of life.