MR-linac is the best modality for lung SBRT.

Abstract

The introduction of MR‐linac hybrid modality started a new era in image guidance for radiotherapy. It provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to conventional x‐ray imaging, and offers the ability to track and gate treatment delivery, yet challenges and limitations remain in various aspects.1 Our previous Parallel Opposed issues discussed the additional physicist qualification and residency requirements for the use of MRI in radiotherapy settings.2, 3 Herein, we continued our discussion on the clinical use of MR‐linac and its potential improvement in treatment efficacy for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Dr. Andrew Godley believes that “MR‐linac is the best modality for lung SBRT,” while Dr. Dandan Zheng explained her doubts and concerns. Dr. Andrew Godley received his Ph.D. in High Energy Physics from the University of Sydney in 2001. Dr Godley continued in particle physics at the University of South Carolina and Fermilab, until 2007 when he trained in medical physics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Godley spent 7 years as a staff physicist at the Cleveland Clinic before joining the Miami Cancer Institute in 2018 to help develop their MR‐linac and SBRT programs. Dr. Dandan Zheng received her Ph.D. in Applied Science from the University of California Davis in 2007. After conducting a postdoctoral training in Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University, she joined the department as an assistant professor in 2009. In 2012 Dr. Zheng moved to University of Nebraska Medical Center where she is currently an associate professor and the medical physics residency program director. Dr. Zheng is an avid peer reviewer/associate editor for many journals, and her research interests include image guidance, radiomics and machine learning, stereotactic RT, dose algorithms, and motion management.