On the feasibility of automatic detection of range deviations from in-beam PET data

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. Helmbrecht - , OncoRay - National Centre for Radiation Research in Oncology (Author)
  • A. Santiago - , OncoRay - National Centre for Radiation Research in Oncology (Author)
  • W. Enghardt - , OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • P. Kuess - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • F. Fiedler - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)

Abstract

In-beam PET is a clinically proven method for monitoring ion beam cancer treatment. The objective is predominantly the verification of the range of the primary particles. Due to different processes leading to dose and activity, evaluation is done by comparing measured data to simulated. Up to now, the comparison is performed by well-trained observers (clinicians, physicists). This process is very time consuming and low in reproducibility. However, an automatic method is desirable. A one-dimensional algorithm for range comparison has been enhanced and extended to three dimensions. System-inherent uncertainties are handled by means of a statistical approach. To test the method, a set of data was prepared. Distributions of +-activity calculated from treatment plans were compared to measurements performed in the framework of the German Heavy Ion Tumor Therapy Project at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany. Artificial range deviations in the simulations served as test objects for the algorithm. Range modifications of different depth (4, 6 and 10 mm water equivalent path length) can be detected. Even though the sensitivity and specificity of a visual evaluation are higher, the method is feasible as the basis for the selection of patients from the data pool for retrospective evaluation of treatment and treatment plans and correlation with follow-up data. Furthermore, it can be used for the development of an assistance tool for a clinical application.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1387-1397
Number of pages11
JournalPhysics in medicine and biology
Volume57
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2012
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 22349491