Optimizing MRI pulse sequence for displaying gold markers in radiation therapy simulation of patients with prostate cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Magnetic resonance localization of gold markers for radiotherapy is critical for the treatment planning of prostatic cancer. This study sought to enhance the visualization of gold markers by applying the three-dimensional gradient echo (3D GRE) T2* sequence and comparing it with CT scan. Methods: 29 Patients who underwent both a 3D GRE T2* sequence and a CT were evaluated by an oncologist and radiologist. The SNR, CNR and prostate volume were calculated. Result: The depiction of gold markers using 3D GRE T2* exhibited an enhanced quality in comparison to CT (p < 0·05). Prostate SNR, fat SNR, muscle SNR and Osteon SNR were found to be elevated in 3D GRE T2*, as opposed to the CT (p < 0·05). The comparison of the average prostate volume revealed a significant difference between the mean measurements (sig = 0, p < 0·05). The prostate Volume in 3D GRE T2* 29·03% smaller in magnitude when compared to the CT, thus bringing it into closer alignment with its authentic dimensions. Conclusion: The comparison between the MRI and the CT demonstrated that 3D GRE T2* is an exceptional tool for visualizing gold markers in the realm of prostate cancer radiotherapy planning. It has the potential to minimize collateral damage to healthy cells while enhancing the precision of cancer cell targeting.