AIRTox – Airway Imaging for Radiation-induced Toxicity
Radiotherapy is the only curative treatment option for many patients with tumors near the central airways. SBRT can cause serious side effects when tumors are close to or involve critical structures. It is not established how much radiation the airways can tolerate before airway narrowing or lung collapse. This study aims to measure airway narrowing or collapse over time and model the amount of radiation that can be safely tolerated by the large central airways and their smaller segments. CT scans from lung cancer patients will be analyzed in airway dimensions following radiotherapy. We will precisely measure how different radiation doses impact the airways and their smaller segments. We will detect subclinical airway damage, potentially identifying problems before they become severe. These results will inform radiotherapy guidelines for centrally located lung tumors and help clinicians personalize radiation to maximize tumor control, reduce airway complications and enhance quality of life.
