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Development of a Radiotherapy-Induced Wound Model in Wistar Rats: Simulating Post-Radiation Skin and Soft Tissue
Stefana Avadanei-Luca1, Bogdan Ionel Tamba2,3, Irina Draga Caruntu4,5
1Department of Plastic Surgery, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
Biomedicines
|February 27, 2026
Summary
This study developed a rat model for radiation-impaired wound healing using clinical radiotherapy. The model effectively replicates delayed healing after 20 Gy irradiation and surgery, offering a platform for future research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiation Oncology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Radiotherapy often impairs skin healing, especially with high doses or surgery.
- Existing experimental models for radiation-impaired wound healing are limited.
- Need for reproducible platforms mimicking clinical scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish a reproducible experimental model for radiation-induced cutaneous injury.
- Utilize contemporary clinical radiotherapy techniques for model development.
- Investigate wound healing impairment following irradiation and delayed excision.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rat model using clinical-grade volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) at 20 Gy or 30 Gy.
- Groups included control, irradiation only, irradiation followed by excision, and excision only.
- Standardized skin excision performed one week post-irradiation, with 42-day monitoring.
Main Results:
- 20 Gy irradiation caused moderate, self-limiting dermatitis; delayed excision led to severe, prolonged healing impairment.
- Excision alone resulted in predictable wound healing.
- 30 Gy irradiation caused severe injury, systemic effects, and high mortality.
Conclusions:
- A foundational model for radiation-impaired wound healing using clinical VMAT and delayed excision is established.
- The 20 Gy protocols offer an ethically sustainable platform for mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
- This model advances research into managing radiotherapy-related wound complications.
