A common adverse event of radiation therapy, impacting over 20% of lung cancer patients, is radiation-induced lung injury. This injury manifests as radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis, causing long-term breathing difficulties and other morbidities that impair daily functioning and quality of life.
To minimise radiation-induced lung injury, our team has invented and pioneered computed tomography (CT) ventilation imaging. This new imaging modality, now its own international field of research, uses routinely acquired CT scans to create a 3D image showing high and low functioning lung regions. During radiation therapy planning, this image is used to preferentially avoid radiation dose to healthy, high functioning regions by redirecting radiation beams through low functioning regions.
Evidence shows that CT ventilation imaging could reduce severe radiation-induced lung injury in >57,000 patients per year globally. Our international and diverse team is ready to complete the VITaL phase 3 trial to provide the level 1 evidence that will drive global practice and policy change.
The double blind randomised controlled trial VITaL will test the primary hypothesis that patients receiving healthy lung sparing treatment have better quality of life than patients receiving standard treatment. Secondary hypotheses include reduced treatment side-effects, better lung function, and be more likely to receive and complete post-radiation therapy immunotherapy. The VITaL trial includes a health economics assessment to expedite clinical and commercial translation. 165 patients will be recruited to VITaL.
Our industry partner, 4DMedical, launched the world’s first CT ventilation imaging product in 2022. Therefore, we are positioned to translate positive trial results into a globally available clinical tool to improve outcomes for the cancer with the highest burden of disease in Australia and internationally.