Rotational Dual-Energy Image Guided Radiation Therapy for Lung Tumors

Abstract

Dual energy (DE) imaging is a technique commonly used in diagnostic radiology to enhance visualization of lung tumors. DE imaging exploits the differential attenuation of bone versus soft tissue (as a function of energy) to produce tissue-selective composite images. The ability to eliminate overlying bony anatomy on planar images could allow improved tumor definition in the thorax from a variety of oblique angles in patients undergoing kV-based image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Our goal was to evaluate the theoretical role of DE imaging in tracking lung tumors throughout a full (0-360°) range of gantry angles.