PET/SPECT/spectral-CT/CBCT imaging in a small-animal radiation therapy platform: A Monte Carlo study-Part I: Quad-modal imaging.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the tremendous potential of game-changing biological image- and/or biologically guided radiation therapy (RT) and adaptive radiation therapy for cancer treatment, existing limited strategies for integrating molecular imaging and/or biological information with RT have impeded the translation of preclinical research findings to clinical applications. Additionally, there is an urgent need for a highly integrated small-animal radiation therapy (SART) platform that can seamlessly combine therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities to comprehensively enhance RT for cancer treatment. PURPOSE: We investigated a highly integrated quad-modal on-board imaging configuration combining positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), photon-counting spectral CT, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a SART platform using a Monte Carlo model as a proof-of-concept. METHODS: The quad-modal on-board imaging configuration of the SART platform was designed and evaluated by using the GATE Monte Carlo code. A partial-ring on-board PET imaging subsystem, utilizing advanced semiconductor thallium bromide detector technology, was designed to achieve high sensitivity and spatial resolution. On-board SPECT, photon-counting spectral-CT, and CBCT imaging were performed using a single cadmium zinc telluride flat detector panel. The absolute peak sensitivity and scatter fraction of the PET subsystem were estimated by using simulated phantoms described in the NEMA NU-4 standard. The spatial resolution of the PET image of the platform was evaluated by imaging a simulated micro-Derenzo hot-rod phantom. To evaluate the quantitative imaging capability of the system's spectral CT, the Bayesian eigentissue decomposition (ETD) method was utilized to quantitatively decompose the virtual noncontrast (VNC) electron densities and iodine contrast agent fractions in the Kidney1 inserts mixed with the iodine contrast agent within the simulated phantoms. The performance of the proposed quad-model imaging in the platform was validated by imaging a simulated phantom with multiple imaging probes, including an iodine contrast agent and radioisotopes of 18F and 99mTc. RESULTS: The PET subsystem demonstrated an absolute peak sensitivity of 18.5% at the scanner center, with an energy window of 175-560 KeV, and a scatter fraction of only 3.5% for the mouse phantom, with a default energy window of 480-540 KeV. The spatial resolution of PET on-board imaging exceeded 1.2 mm. All imaging probes were identified clearly within the phantom. The PET and SPECT images agreed well with the actual spatial distributions of the tracers within the phantom. Average relative errors on electron density and iodine contrast agent fraction in the Kidney1 inserts were less than 3%. High-quality PET images, SPECT images, spectral-CT images (including iodine contrast agent fraction images and VNC electron density images), and CBCT images of the simulated phantom demonstrated the comprehensive multimodal imaging capability of the system. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed quad-modal imaging configuration in a SART platform. The design incorporates anatomical, molecular, and functional information about tumors, thereby facilitating successful translation of preclinical studies into clinical practices.

Investigation of Radiochromic Film Use for Source Position Verification through a LINAC On-Board Imager (OBI).

Background and Objectives: Quality assurance is an integral part of brachytherapy. Traditionally, radiographic films have been used for source position verification, however, in many clinics, computerized tomography simulators have replaced conventional simulators, and computerized radiography systems have replaced radiographic film processing units. With these advances, the problem of controlling source position verification without traditional radiographic films and conventional simulators has appeared. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated an alternative method for source position verification for brachytherapy applications. Source positions were evaluated using Gafchromic™ RTQA2 and EBT3 film and visually compared to exposed RTQA radiochromic film when using a Nucletron Oldelft Simulix HP conventional simulator and a Gammamed 12-i brachytherapy device for performance evaluation. Gafchromic film autoradiography was performed with a linear accelerator (LINAC) on-board imager (OBI). Radiochromic films are very suitable for evaluation by visual inspection with a LINAC OBI. Results: The results showed that this type of low-cost, easy-to-find material can be used for verification purposes under clinical conditions. Conclusions: It can be concluded that source-position quality assurance may be performed through a LINAC OBI device.

A Monte Carlo study to investigate the feasibility of an on-board SPECT/spectral-CT/CBCT imager for medical linear accelerator.

PURPOSE: The on-board flat-panel cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) lacks molecular/functional information for current online image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). It might not be adequate for adaptive radiation therapy (ART), particularly for biologically guided tumor delineation and targeting which might be shifted and/or distorted during the course of RT. A linear accelerator (Linac) gantry-mounted on-board imager (OBI) was proposed using a single photon counting detector (PCD) panel to achieve single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), energy-resolved spectral CT, and conventional CBCT triple on-board imaging, which might facilitate online ART with an addition of volumetric molecular/functional imaging information. METHODS: The system was designed and evaluated in the GATE Monte Carlo platform. The OBI system including a kV-beam source and a pixelated cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector panel mounted on a medical Linac orthogonally to the MV beam direction was designed to obtain online CBCT, spectral CT, and SPECT tri-modal imaging of patients in the treatment room. The spatial resolutions of the OBI system were determined by imaging simulated phantoms. The CBCT imaging was evaluated by a simulated contrast phantom. A PMMA phantom containing gadolinium was imaged to demonstrate quantitative imaging of spectral-CT/CBCT of the system. The capability of tri-modal imaging of the OBI was demonstrated using three different spectral CT imaging methods to differentiate gadolinium, gold, calcium within simulated PMMA and the SPECT to image radioactive 99m Tc distribution. The dual-isotope SPECT imaging of the system was also evaluated by imaging a phantom containing 99m Tc and 123 I. The radiotherapy-related parameters of iodine contrast fraction and virtual non-contrast (VNC) tissue electron density in the Kidney1 inserts of a simulated phantom were decomposed using the Bayesian eigentissue decomposition method for contrast-enhanced CBCT/spectral-CT of the OBI in a single scan. RESULTS: The spatial resolutions of CBCT and SPECT of the OBI were determined to be 15.1 lp/cm at 10% MTF and 4.8-12 mm for radii of rotation of 10-40 cm, respectively. In CBCT image of the contrast phantom, most of the soft-tissue inserts were visible with sufficient spatial structure details. As compared to the CBCT image of gadolinium, the spectral CT image provided higher image contrasts. Calcium, gadolinium, and gold were separated well by using the spectral CT material imaging methods. The reconstructed distribution of 99m Tc agreed with the spatial position within the phantom. The two isotopes were separated from each other in dual-isotope SPECT imaging of the OBI. The iodine fractions and the VNC electron densities were estimated in the iodine-enhanced Kidney1 tissue inserts with reasonable RMS errors. The main procedures of the tri-modal imaging guided online ART workflow were presented with new functional features included. CONCLUSIONS: Using a single photon counting CZT detector panel, an on-board SPECT, spectral CT, and CBCT tri-modal imaging could be realized in Linacs. With the added online molecular/functional imaging obtained from the new OBI for the online ART proposed, the accuracy of radiation treatment delivery could be further improved.

Kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography imaging dose estimation and optimization: Need of daily cone-beam computed tomography.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to access the need of daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the requirement of in-house protocols of image acquisition frequency to reduce unnecessary exposure to the patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dose delivered during CBCT procedure (On-Board Imager, Trilogy, Varian medical system, Inc., Palo Alto, California) was assessed for pelvic and head and neck region. For dose estimation, cylindrical polymethyl methacrylate phantoms of 15 cm length, 16 cm, and 32 cm diameter were used to simulate the patient's head and neck and pelvic region thickness, respectively. More than 10 cm scatterer was added on either end of this phantom. Calibrated Ionization chamber DCT10 LEMO SN 1685 iba, dosimetry, Germany (10 cm active length) was used to measure the dose Index. The doses known as cone-beam dose index (CBDI100) were estimated for all the scanning protocols (kV and mAs setting) available on the machine. In this study, image acquisition frequency to correct the setup error was optimized. In-house protocol for image acquisition frequency during treatment has been suggested to reduce the dose. It was based on the principle of as low as reasonable achievable. RESULTS: Optimized dose protocol observed was the "standard dose head" for which the CBDI100 was 2.43 mGy. Whereas for pelvic imaging, single protocol of 125 kV, 80 mA was available by which a dose of 7.61 mGy is likely to be received by the patient during scan. Maximum shift of 6 mm in lateral direction was observed to the patient of Pelvis region and 5 mm was observed in the longitudinal direction for the H and N patients. Angular shift measured in patient position was 3.8° and 3.1° for H and N and pelvic region, respectively. CONCLUSION: Three consecutive-day CBCT-imaging at the beginning of the treatment followed by once weekly CBCT and two-dimensional (2D) imaging in remaining days of treatment can be an optimized way of imaging for the patient having malignancy in the region of pelvic and abdomen. For H and N, once in a week, CBCT with standard dose head protocol, followed by 2D-imaging in remaining days can be an optimized way of imaging.

Comparison of the verification performance and radiation dose between ExacTrac x-ray system and On-Board Imager-A phantom study.

Recently, On-Board Imager (OBI) and ExacTrac x-ray 6 degree-of-freedom system (ExacTrac) are increasingly used verification systems in local radiotherapy centers. This study aimed to compare the differences between these two systems in terms of verification accuracy, organ doses, and verification time for head-and-neck (H&N) and pelvic cases. Rando anthropomorphic phantoms of H&N and pelvic regions were positioned with known set-up deviations from the reference position in the linear accelerator. x-Ray verification images were then acquired using both systems. Verification accuracy was evaluated based on the residual positioning error (δD) after image registration. Thermoluminescence dose meters (TLD-100s) were placed in specific locations of the phantoms for the measurement of imaging doses at the organs of interest. Besides, the verification time was also recorded for comparison. Most average detection errors for both systems were within 1 mm. The detection error of ExacTrac was significantly larger than OBI in the H&N region in all directions (p < 0.05), but was significantly lower in the pelvis (p < 0.05). The mean imaging doses to all organs of interest from ExacTrac were significantly lower than OBI (p < 0.05). The mean verification time for ExacTrac was about 10 seconds, which was significantly shorter than the 100 seconds in OBI (p < 0.001). Both verification systems achieved satisfactory performance in the H&N and pelvic regions despite ExacTrac being better in terms of verification time and organ dose. The verification accuracy of Exactrac was better in pelvic region than the H&N region when compared with OBI.

Technical Note: A feasibility study of using the flat panel detector on linac for the kV x-ray generator test.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of using kV flat panel detector on linac for consistency evaluations of kV x-ray generator performance. METHODS: An in-house designed aluminum (Al) array phantom with six 9 × 9 cm2 square regions having various thickness was proposed and used in this study. Through XML script-driven image acquisition, kV images with various acquisition settings were obtained using the kV flat panel detector. Utilizing pre-established baseline curves, the consistency of x-ray tube output characteristics, including tube voltage accuracy, exposure accuracy and exposure linearity was assessed through image quality assessment metrics including ROI mean intensity, ROI standard deviation (SD), and noise power spectrums (NPS). The robustness of this method was tested on two linacs for a 3-month period. RESULTS: With the proposed method, tube voltage accuracy can be verified through conscience check with a 2% tolerance and 2 kVp intervals for forty different kVp settings. The exposure accuracy can be tested with a 4% consistency tolerance for three mAs settings over forty kVp settings. The exposure linearity tested with 3 mAs settings achieved a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.1. CONCLUSION: We proposed a novel approach that uses the kV flat panel detector available on linac for x-ray generator test. This approach eliminates the inefficiencies and variability associated with using third-party QA detectors while enabling an automated process.

A clinical study of CBCT reduction before IMRT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the feasibility of reduction by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods Twenty-three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing IMRT were included in this study.The reverse IMRT plan with CBCT verification was prepared with location center coordinates origin as the planned central point.Before therapy,the CBCT reduction was adopted,the CBCT scanning was performed before the second and third radiotherapies.The registering data in 3 times were analyzed and summarized.Results In CBCT reduction,the absolute value at any direction≤3 mm accounted for 89.9％ (62/69),＜5 mm accounted for 98.6 ％ (68/69),and the deviation value at every direction was (0.6 ± 2.1)mm;in the second and third CBCT,the absolute value at any direction ≤3 mm accounted for 92.8％ (128 q38),＜5 mm accounted for 99.3％ (137/138),and the deviation value at every direction was (0.4 ± 2.0) mm:the difference between the two sets of data had no statistically significant difference (P＞ 0.05).Conclusion In formulating the nasopharyngeal carcinoma IMRT plan withthe location center coordinates origin as the planned central point,adopting the CBCT reduction is intuitional,convenient,practicable and feasible.

A clinical study of CBCT reduction before IMRT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 重庆医学

Objective To explore the feasibility of reduction by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) before intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods Twenty-three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing IMRT were included in this study.The reverse IMRT plan with CBCT verification was prepared with location center coordinates origin as the planned central point.Before therapy,the CBCT reduction was adopted,the CBCT scanning was performed before the second and third radiotherapies.The registering data in 3 times were analyzed and summarized.Results In CBCT reduction,the absolute value at any direction≤3 mm accounted for 89.9％ (62/69),＜5 mm accounted for 98.6 ％ (68/69),and the deviation value at every direction was (0.6 ± 2.1)mm;in the second and third CBCT,the absolute value at any direction ≤3 mm accounted for 92.8％ (128 q38),＜5 mm accounted for 99.3％ (137/138),and the deviation value at every direction was (0.4 ± 2.0) mm:the difference between the two sets of data had no statistically significant difference (P＞ 0.05).Conclusion In formulating the nasopharyngeal carcinoma IMRT plan withthe location center coordinates origin as the planned central point,adopting the CBCT reduction is intuitional,convenient,practicable and feasible.

Analysis of the setup errors of a stereoscopic two-dimensional kilo-voltage XGS-10 system for head-and-neck region intensity-modulated radiotherapy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To analyze the discrepancies between position adjustments obtained with the stereoscopic 2DKV XGS-10 system and the Varian OBI system for head-and-neck region IMRT treatments,and to compare for image acquisition and registration time.Methods CBCT images were obtained with OBI system and 2DKV images were acquired by XGS-10 system for 30 head-and-neck patients prior to Varian21EX IMRT treatment.The images were registered with planning image for localization,and position adjustments were given in LR,SI and AP directions,then the discrepancies between them were analyzed.On the comparison of the two different systems,the Pearson coefficient was used to analyzed the correlation and 95％ CI analysis to discern the consistence.Results Analysis of images acquired for the 30 patients yielded the following results:position adjustments with XGS-10 system were (-1.03 ± 2.15) mm,(0.86 ± 2.59) mm,(0.42 ± 1.66) mm in LR,SI and AP directions,whereas (0.00 ± 1.68) mm,(1.53 ± 2.12) mm,(0.10 ± 1.54) mm with CBCT in LR,SI and AP directions.The discrepancies were (-1.03 ± 1.24) mm,(-0.68 ± 1.78) mm and (0.32±1.61) mm in LR,SI and AP directions.The correlation coefficients between them were 0.817,0.731 and 0.495 in LR,SI and AP directions.95％ CI were (-1.47--0.59),(-1.32-0.04),(-0.26-0.90) mm.The average image acquisition and registration time were 10 s and ＜ 15 s in XGS-10 system,with 3 min and 8 min in OBI system.Conclusions Both of XGS-10 system and OBI system could be used to improve patient position accuracy,but XGS-10 system could cut down the total time.

A daily quality assure procedure for the on board imager and analysis of the results / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective Performing a daily quality assure (QA) program to get variation and error range of on board imager (OBI) system,so that the OBI system can meet the needs of clinical treatment.Methods The daily QA program including: mechanical accuracy,2D/2D Shift calculations accuracy,couch motion accuracy.Results The max deviation was-0.7 mm in lcft-right (LR) dircction and 0.8 mm in superior-inferior (S1) direction in Linac& OBI isocenter accuracy check.The max deviations in 4 blades (x1,x2,y2,y1) position accuracy check were:-2.1 mm,2.2 mm,± 1.7 mm,-2.1 mm.In OBI mechanical arms position accuracy check,31％ standard data was 85.2 cm with 0 mm deviation; 69％ standard data was 85.1 cm with 1 mm deviation.In LR,SI and anterior-posterior direction,2D/2D shift calculations accuracy was 0.46 mm,1.35 mm,-0.04 mm and couch motion accuracy was-0.1 mm,0.3 mm,0.2 mm,respectively.Conclusions By performing the daily QA program,it could be found whether OBI works properly and satisfies the clinical use.The physicist can pay more attention to the parameters which change frequently,and adjust the frequency of the parameters which are stable,so that working efficiently.

OBI clinical studies of setup errors in precise radiotherapy of pelvic carcinoma / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To study setup errors in precise radiotherapy by Varian ix accelerator OBI system and provide reference data for clinic.Methods 15 patients with pelvic cancer patients were studied in intensity modulated radiation therapy, measurement in patients with left and right (X), head and feet (Y),before and after the (Z) 3 directions respectivelY,the linear error and X,Y,Z axis to form the corresponding U, V, W rotation errors, online error correction anyway, and record the error values. The error data was analyzed before and after corrections using the two-parameter method to calculate the clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) of putting boundaries (MPTV).Results 15 patients were preformed total 146 times of the first place after a and after treatment of conical CT scan,in the X,Y,Z direction system error ((x)) ± random error (s) were (1.23±0.134) mm,(2.02±7.96) mm and (1.87±3.13) mm,after treatment for respectively (0.49±1.14) mm,(0.98±2.28) mm and (1.87±3.13) mm.There was no significant difference on X direction of the tapered bed CT scan in the first place,before and after calibration,in Y and Z direction there were significant differences, corrected position error in Y and Z direction is lower compared with that of primary (P ＜ 0.05); the setup error were (0.72±1.23)°,(0.06±1.12)°,(0.12±0.97)° on U,V and W direction respectively. rotate error in general was not more than 3°. Since online correction only worked to the translation error correction, There was no difference in U,V and W before and after correction.The MPTV was 2.55,9.61 and 5.93 mm on X,Y,Z direction before correcting. Conclusions Online or offline using the OBI system to guide positioning error correction can improve the positioning accuracy and reduce the positioning uncertainty,while maintaining or increasing local control rate at the same time,reducing exposure to surrounding normal tissue,so as to improve treatment accuracy purposes.

Analysis of Overall Setup Accuracy Using On-Board Imager(R) / 의학물리

We evaluated the overall setup accuracy for the On-Board Imager (OBI, Varian Medical Systems Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA), with attention to the laser, the gantry, and operator performance. We let experienced technicians place the marker block on the couch using a lock bar system, with alignment to the isocenter of the laser, every morning. A pair of radiographic images of the marker block was acquired at 0degrees and 270degrees angles to the kV arm to correct the position using a 2D/2D matching technique. Once the desired match was achieved, the couch was moved remotely to correct the setup error and the parameters were saved. The average for the vertical and the longitudinal displacements were 0.65 mm and 0.66 mm, and 0.01 mm for the lateral displacement. The average for the vertical and longitudinal displacements were statistically significant at the 0.05 level (p value=0.000 for both), while the p value for the lateral direction was 0.829. These results show that the tendencies to displacement in vertical and longitudinal directions occur through systematic error, while systematic error was not found in the lateral displacement. This daily overall evaluation is practical and easy to find the systematic and random errors in the setup system; however, a daily QA for laser and OBI alignment is still needed to minimize the systematic error in aligning patients.

Optimal slice thickness for cone-beam CT with on-board imager.

PURPOSE: To find the optimal slice thickness (Δτ) setting for patient registration with kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kVCBCT) on the Varian On Board Imager (OBI) system by investigating the relationship of slice thickness to automatic registration accuracy and contrast-to-noise ratio. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Automatic registration was performed on kVCBCT studies of the head and pelvis of a RANDO anthropomorphic phantom. Images were reconstructed with 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 at 1.0 mm increments. The phantoms were offset by a known amount, and the suggested shifts were compared to the known shifts by calculating the residual error. A uniform cylindrical phantom with cylindrical inserts of various known CT numbers was scanned with kVCBCT at 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 at increments of 0.5 mm. The contrast-to-noise ratios for the inserts were measured at each Δτ. RESULTS: For the planning CT slice thickness used in this study, there was no significant difference in residual error below a threshold equal to the planning CT slice thickness. For Δτ > 3.0 mm, residual error increased for both the head and pelvis phantom studies. The contrast-to-noise ratio is proportional to slice thickness until Δτ = 2.5 mm. Beyond this point, the contrast-to-noise ratio was not affected by Δτ. CONCLUSION: Automatic registration accuracy is greatest when 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 3.0 is used. Contrast-to-noise ratio is optimal for the 2.5 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 range. Therefore 2.5 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 3.0 is recommended for kVCBCT patient registration where the planning CT is 3.0 mm.

Optimal slice thickness for cone-beam CT with on-board imager

Purpose: To find the optimal slice thickness (Δτ) setting for patient registration with kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kVCBCT) on the Varian On Board Imager (OBI) system by investigating the relationship of slice thickness to automatic registration accuracy and contrast-to-noise ratio. Materials and method: Automatic registration was performed on kVCBCT studies of the head and pelvis of a RANDO anthropomorphic phantom. Images were reconstructed with 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 at 1.0 mm increments. The phantoms were offset by a known amount, and the suggested shifts were compared to the known shifts by calculating the residual error. A uniform cylindrical phantom with cylindrical inserts of various known CT numbers was scanned with kVCBCT at 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 at increments of 0.5 mm. The contrast-to-noise ratios for the inserts were measured at each Δτ. Results: For the planning CT slice thickness used in this study, there was no significant difference in residual error below a threshold equal to the planning CT slice thickness. For Δτ > 3.0 mm, residual error increased for both the head and pelvis phantom studies. The contrast-to-noise ratio is proportional to slice thickness until Δτ = 2.5 mm. Beyond this point, the contrast-to-noise ratio was not affected by Δτ. Conclusion: Automatic registration accuracy is greatest when 1.0 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 3.0 is used. Contrast-to-noise ratio is optimal for the 2.5 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 5.0 range. Therefore 2.5 ≤ Δτ (mm) ≤ 3.0 is recommended for kVCBCT patient registration where the planning CT is 3.0 mm

Digital Tomosynthesis for Patient Alignment System Using Half-fan Mode CBCT Projection Images / 의학물리

To generate on-board digital tomosynthesis (DTS) for three-dimensionalimage-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) as an alternative to conventional portal imaging or on-board cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), two clinical cases (liver and bladder) were selected to illustrate the capabilities of on-board DTS for IGRT. DTS images were generated from subsets of CBCT projection data (45, 162 projections) using half-fan mode scanning with a Feldkamp-type reconstruction algorithm. Digital tomosynthesis slices appeared similar to coincident CBCT planes and yielded substantially more anatomic information. Improved bony and soft-tissue visibility in DTS images is likely to improve target localization compared with radiographic verification techniques and might allow for daily localization of a soft-tissue target. Digital tomosynthesis might allow targeting of the treatment volume on the basis of daily localization.

A phantom study on target localization accuracy using cone-beam computed tomography.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the 3-dimensional target localization accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) using an on-board imager (OBI). An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom was used to simulate a range of offsets in the three translational directions and rotations around each of the three axes. After a translational or rotational offset was applied, a CBCT scan of the phantom was followed by image registration to detect the offsets in six degrees. The detected offsets were compared to the offset actually applied to give the detection error of the phantom position. Afterwards, the phantom was positioned by automatically moving the couch based on the detected offsets. A second CBCT scan followed by image registration was performed to give the residual error of the phantom positioning. On the average the detection errors and their standard deviations along the lateral, longitudinal and vertical axis are 0.3 ± 0.1, 0.3 ± 0.1 and 0.4 ± 0.1 mm respectively with respect to translational shifts ranging from 0 to 10 mm. The corresponding residual errors after positioning are 0.3 ± 0.1, 0.5 ± 0.1 and 0.3 ± 0.1 mm. For simulated rotational shifts ranging from 0 to 5 degrees, the average detection error and their standard deviation around lateral, longitudinal, and vertical axes are 0.1 ± 0.0, 0.2 ± 0.0, and 0.2 ± 0.0 degrees respectively. The residual errors after positioning are 0.4 ± 0.1, 0.6 ± 0.1, and 0.3 ± 0.1 mm along the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions. These results indicate that target localization based on CBCT is capable of achieving sub-millimeter accuracy.

A Study on the Availability of the On-Board Imager (OBI) and Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) in the Verification of Patient Set-up / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: On-line image guided radiation therapy (on-line IGRT) and (kV X-ray images or cone beam CT images) were obtained by an on-board imager (OBI) and cone beam CT (CBCT), respectively. The images were then compared with simulated images to evaluate the patient's setup and correct for deviations. The setup deviations between the simulated images (kV or CBCT images), were computed from 2D/2D match or 3D/3D match programs, respectively. We then investigated the correctness of the calculated deviations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the simulation and treatment planning for the RANDO phantom, the phantom was positioned on the treatment table. The phantom setup process was performed with side wall lasers which standardized treatment setup of the phantom with the simulated images, after the establishment of tolerance limits for laser line thickness. After a known translation or rotation angle was applied to the phantom, the kV X-ray images and CBCT images were obtained. Next, 2D/2D match and 3D/3D match with simulation CT images were taken. Lastly, the results were analyzed for accuracy of positional correction. RESULTS: In the case of the 2D/2D match using kV X-ray and simulation images, a setup correction within 0.06degrees for rotation only, 1.8 mm for translation only, and 2.1 mm and 0.3degrees for both rotation and translation, respectively, was possible. As for the 3D/3D match using CBCT images, a correction within 0.03degrees for rotation only, 0.16 mm for translation only, and 1.5 mm for translation and 0.0degrees for rotation, respectively, was possible. CONCLUSION: The use of OBI or CBCT for the on-line IGRT provides the ability to exactly reproduce the simulated images in the setup of a patient in the treatment room. The fast detection and correction of a patient's positional error is possible in two dimensions via kV X-ray images from OBI and in three dimensions via CBCT with a higher accuracy. Consequently, the on-line IGRT represents a promising and reliable treatment procedure.

Evaluation of Geometric Correspondence of kV X-ray Images, Electric Portal Images and Digitally Reconstructed Radiographic Images / 의학물리

In this study we estimated a geometric correlation among digitally reconstructed radiographic image (DRRI), kV x-ray image (kVXI) from the On-Board Imager (OBI) and electric portal image (EPI). To verify geometric correspondence of DRRI, kVXI and EPI, specially designed phantom with indexed 6 ball bearings (BBs) were employed. After accurate setup of the phantom on a treatment couch using orthogonal EPIs, we acquired set of orthogonal kVXIs and EPIs then compared the absolute positions of the center of the BBs calculated at each phantom plane for kVXI and EPI respectively. We also checked matching result for obliquely incident beam (gantry angle of 315 degrees) after 2D-2D matching provided by OBI application. A reference EPI obtained after initial setup of the phantom was compared with 10 series of EPIs acquired after each 2D-2D matching. Imaginary setup errors were generated from -5 mm to 5 mm at each couch motion direction. Calculated positions of all center positions of the BBs at three different images were agreed with the actual points within a millimeter and each other. Calculated center positions of the BBs from the reference and obtained EPIs after 2D-2D matching agreed within a millimeter. We could tentatively conclude that the OBI system was mechanically quite reliable for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) purpose.

Development of an Automatic Seed Marker Registration Algorithm Using CT and kV X-ray Images / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to develop a practical method for determining accurate marker positions for prostate cancer radiotherapy using CT images and kV x-ray images obtained from the use of the on-board imager (OBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three gold seed markers were implanted into the reference position inside a prostate gland by a urologist. Multiple digital image processing techniques were used to determine seed marker position and the center-of-mass (COM) technique was employed to determine a representative reference seed marker position. A setup discrepancy can be estimated by comparing a computed COMOBI with the reference COMCT. A proposed algorithm was applied to a seed phantom and to four prostate cancer patients with seed implants treated in our clinic. RESULTS: In the phantom study, the calculated COMCT and COMOBI agreed with COMactual within a millimeter. The algorithm also could localize each seed marker correctly and calculated COMCT and COMOBI for all CT and kV x-ray image sets, respectively. Discrepancies of setup errors between 2D-2D matching results using the OBI application and results using the proposed algorithm were less than one millimeter for each axis. The setup error of each patient was in the range of 0.1+/-2.7~1.8+/-6.6 mm in the AP direction, 0.8+/-1.6~2.0+/-2.7 mm in the SI direction and -0.9+/-1.5~2.8+/-3.0 mm in the lateral direction, even though the setup error was quite patient dependent. CONCLUSION: As it took less than 10 seconds to evaluate a setup discrepancy, it can be helpful to reduce the setup correction time while minimizing subjective factors that may be user dependent. However, the on-line correction process should be integrated into the treatment machine control system for a more reliable procedure.