Computed Tomography and Position Emission Tomography in Radiation Oncology (original) (raw)
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medical imaging techniques are an important element in early detection for many cancers. They are also important for determining the stage and extension of the lesion, assessing tumour response during and after treatment, and locating cancer to aid surgery and other treatments. imaging methods range from anatomical-based methods (ultrasound, conventional plain X-rays with mammography, computed tomography) to the more functional-based methods (magnetic resonance imaging with a spectroscopy option, single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography). The principles of image acquisition methods with examples of clinical indications are described in the article. advances in medical imaging have also been widely applied in the field of radiation oncology. Technical development has lead to more accurate treatment plan calculations and more precise administration of the radiation. The range of imaging applications in radiation oncology is very wide and often called 'therapeutic imaging'. medical imaging is employed at almost every step of the radiation treatment process from diagnosis, treatment planning, dose calculations, and simulation of real treatment, to irradiation on the linear accelerator.
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2009
The diagnostic methodologies used for the radiotherapy planning have undergone great developments in the last 30 years. Since the 1980s, after the introduction of the CT scanner, the modality for the planning moved beyond the planar 2D assessment to approach a real and more realistic volumetric 3D definition. Consequently the dose distribution, previously obtained by means of an overly simple approximation, became increasingly complex, better tailoring the true shape of the tumour. The final therapeutic improvement has been obtained by a parallel increase in the complexity of the irradiating units: the Linacs for therapy have, in fact, been equipped with a full accessory set capable to modulate the fluence (IMRT) and to check the correct target position continuously during the therapy session (IMRT-IGRT). The multimodal diagnostic approach, which integrates diagnostic information, from images of the patient taken with CT, NMR, PET and US, further improves the data for a biological and topological optimization of the radiotherapy plan and consequently of the dose distribution in the Planning Target Volume. Proteomic and genomic analysis will be the next step in tumour diagnosis. These methods will provide the planners with further information, for a true personalization of the treatment regimen and the assessment of the predictive essays for each tumour and each patient.
High-Precision Radiation Therapy with Integrated Biological Imaging and Tumor Monitoring
Strahlentherapie und Onkologie, 2006
To describe an emerging concept of high-precision radiotherapy, a modality characterized by adaptation to patient and organ movements, which might occur between fractions or even during radiation delivery. Methods and Results: Today's unprecedented technical capabilities to visualize the target volume and create conformal dose distributions allow for avoidance of critical structures or targeted treatment intensification within a conventionally imaged, anatomically defined tumor. The success of selective dose escalation depends on (1) correct staging and target volume identification, which can be improved by biological imaging, and (2) identification of biologically relevant subvolumes, which determine tumor control. Current efforts are directed at different methods, such as positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and integrating them into treatment planning. Conclusion: Early clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of image-and biology-guided radiotherapy are ongoing. The same modalities might be used to determine the individual tumor response during treatment and to adapt therapy. Temporal changes in tumor biology, which might represent both a challenge and a chance with regard to adaptation of treatment, need to be addressed in greater detail.
Introduction to Special Issue of Radiology and Imaging of Cancer
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The increase in knowledge in oncology and the possibility of creating personalized medicine by selecting a more appropriate therapy related to the different tumor subtypes, as well as the management of patients with cancer within a multidisciplinary team has improved the clinical outcomes [...]
Imaging for Target Delineation in Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine, 2021
The definition of tumor involved volumes in patients with head and neck cancer poses great challenges with the increasing use of highly conformal radiotherapy techniques eg, volumetric modulated arc therapy and intensity modulated proton therapy. The risk of underdosing the tumor might increase unless great care is taken in the process. The information gained from imaging is increasing with both PET and MRI becoming readily available for the definition of targets. The information gained from these techniques is indeed multidimensional as one often acquire data on eg, metabolism, diffusion, and hypoxia together with anatomical and structural information. Nevertheless, much work remains to fully exploit the available information on a patient-specific level. Multimodality target definition in radiotherapy is a chain of processes that must be individually scrutinized, optimized and quality assured. Any uncertainties or errors in image acquisition, reconstruction, interpretation, and delineation are systematic errors and hence will potentially have a detrimental effect on the entire radiotherapy treatment and hence; the chance of cure or the risk of unnecessary side effects. Common guidelines and procedures create a common minimum standard and ground for evaluation and development. In Denmark, the treatment of head and neck cancer is organized within the multidisciplinary Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). The radiotherapy quality assurance group of DAHANCA organized a workshop in January 2020 with participants from oncology, radiology, and nuclear medicine from all centers in Denmark, treating patients with head and neck cancer. The participants agreed on a national guideline on imaging for target delineation in head and neck cancer radiotherapy, which has been approved by the DAHANCA group. The guidelines are available in the Supplementary. The use of multimodality imaging is being recommended for the planning of all radical treatments with a macroscopic tumor. 2-[ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT should be available, preferable in the treatment position. The recommended MRI sequences are T1, T2 with and without fat suppression, and T1 with contrast enhancement, preferable in the treatment position. The interpretation of clinical information, including thorough physical examination as well as imaging, should be done in a multidisciplinary setting with an oncologist, radiologist, and nuclear medicine specialist.
The Role of Imaging in Radiation Therapy Planning: Past, Present, and Future
BioMed Research International, 2014
The use of ionizing radiation for cancer treatment has undergone extraordinary development during the past hundred years. The advancement of medical imaging has been critical in helping to achieve this change. The invention of computed tomography (CT) was pivotal in the development of treatment planning. Despite some disadvantages, CT remains the only three-dimensional imaging modality used for dose calculation. Newer image modalities, such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET), are also used secondarily in the treatment-planning process. MR, with its better tissue contrast and resolution than those of CT, improves tumor definition compared with CT planning alone. PET also provides metabolic information to supplement the CT and MR anatomical information. With emerging molecular imaging techniques, the ability to visualize and characterize tumors with regard to their metabolic profile, active pathways, and genetic markers, both across different tum...
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