Using Cone Beam CT for Patient Positioning in Radiotherapy
Author Information
Author(s): Thilmann Christoph, Nill Simeon, Tücking Thomas, Höss Angelika, Hesse Bernd, Dietrich Lars, Bendl Rolf, Rhein Bernhard, Häring Peter, Thieke Christian, Oelfke Uwe, Debus Juergen, Huber Peter
Primary Institution: German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
Hypothesis
The study aims to clinically implement a kV cone beam CT (CBCT) for setup correction in radiotherapy.
Conclusion
The cone beam CT attached to a LINAC allows for effective target point correction in a reasonable time frame, enhancing treatment precision.
Supporting Evidence
- The study demonstrated that bony landmarks were easily detected and setup deviations could be corrected.
- The maximum setup deviation detected was 3 mm for patients with a body frame and 6 mm for those with a vacuum pillow.
- Target point corrections were successfully carried out in 4 out of 6 cases.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special camera to take pictures of patients right before treatment to make sure they are in the right position, which helps them get better care.
Methodology
The study involved six tumor patients treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, using a kV cone beam CT for setup correction.
Limitations
The image quality of the cone beam CT does not reach the standard of dedicated diagnostic CT scans, particularly for soft tissue contrast.
Participant Demographics
Patients included two with localized prostate cancer, and others with lung cancer, sacral chordoma, head and neck, and paraspinal tumors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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