WE-A-AUD A-01: Imaging for Planning/Verification: In-Room Imaging

Abstract

Incorporating additional information into the initial model of the patient can improve the accuracy and precision of treatment planning. Multi-modality and temporal imaging can add this additional information. The traditional goals of imaging for treatment planning, identifying the anatomical bounds of the tumor and the normal tissues, is being expanded to include functional and temporal information. Obtaining the highest quality images requires improved contrast, limiting artifacts, improving temporal and spatial resolution, and reducing or eliminating the interference of motion. Combining the soft tissue imaging of MR, functional imaging of MR, CT, PET and SPECT with geometrically robust CT imaging improves the definition of the tumor and critical normal structures. In addition, dynamic information can be accurately quantified and incorporated into the treatment planning process through 4D imaging capabilities in CT and repeat or cine MR imaging. Reducing motion artifacts allows improvement in tumor definition. Methods of reducing the interference of motion on image acquisition include suspending the motion, through voluntary or assisted methods, and reducing the imaging session length, through multi-slice acquisition and parallel imaging. Optimizing imaging sequences and contrast enhancement and timing improves the ability to define the tumor. The integration of these multi-modality images into one more complete model of the patient is evolving through the use of automatic registration methods. The presentation will highlight the benefits of multi-modality imaging in the treatment planning of tumors in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Image optimization strategies will be discussed for each modality and developments to improve image acquisition and integration into treatment planning will be described. Educational Objectives: 1. Appreciate the benefits of including multi-modality imaging in treatment planning. 2. Understand methods to optimize the acquisition of multi-modality images for accurate treatment planning, including sequences, post-processing, and timing. 3. Identify technical developments to improve image acquisition and integration into treatment planning.