Imaging-based treatment adaptation in radiation oncology

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Esther G.C. Troost - , Maastricht University, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Daniela Thorwarth - , University of Tübingen (Author)
  • Wim J.G. Oyen - , Radboud University Nijmegen, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust (Author)

Abstract

In many tumor types, significant effort is being put into patienttailored adaptation of treatment to improve outcome and preferably reduce toxicity. These opportunities first arose with the introduction of modern irradiation techniques (e.g., intensity-modulated radiotherapy) combined with functional imaging for more precise delineation of target volume. On the basis of functional CT, MRI, and PET results, radiation target volumes are altered during the course of treatment, or subvolumes inside the primary tumor are defined to enhance the dosing strategy. Moreover, the probability of complications to normal tissues is predicted using anatomic or functional imaging, such as in the use of CT or PET to predict radiation pneumonitis. Besides focusing, monitoring, and adapting photon therapy for solid tumors, PET also has a role in verifying protonbeam therapy. This article discusses the current state and remaining challenges of imaging-based treatment adaptation in radiation oncology.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1922-1929
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine
Volume56
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2015
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26429959

Keywords

Keywords

  • Functional CT, Functional MRI, PET/CT, Theranostics