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06 March 2009 Arc radiotherapy treatments: Breakthrough in image-guided targeting of prostate tumorsDelivered in a continuous rotation of the treatment machine around the patient, arc therapy techniques such as Varian's RapidArc technology are supposed to be fast and efficient radiotherapy treatments. For better tracking of tumor motion, its position must be updated in real-time in order to be reached by the dynamic multi-leaf collimator (DMLC). To achieve this target, a combination of MV portal images and kV orthogonal images have been tested by researchers. During system tests, arc radiotherapy was delivered to a 'motion phantom' implanted with fiducial markers while continuously imaging with the kV beam. The target position was monitored from these images, acquired from different projections during the arc. This imaging system enabled the researchers to precise localization information about target 3D motion. This single imager based dynamic multi-leaf collimator tracking system was proven to have sub-millimeter accuracy for most types of prostate motion. The perfect alignment of the treatment beam with the tumor position is crucial in radiotherapy treatments, as it can reduce the likelihood of complications. According to researchers report, it has been demonstrated that image-based tracking during arc radiation therapy can be done completely without MV images. This is an important step along the way to image-based tracking during arc treatment delivery, as kV image beam is not obscured by the treatment dynamic multi-leaf collimator making the markers visible from all treatment angles. The Varian's senior director of product management opinion is this research paves the way for real-time tracking of the DMLC with tumor motion during advanced arc therapy treatments. Varian is committed to working closely with industry experts and researchers to enhance treatment accuracy with the goals of reducing treatment margins around the tumor and improving treatment outcomes. NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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