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Multimodality image registration quality assurance for conformal three-dimensional treatment planning
S Mutic1, J F Dempsey, W R Bosch
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. mutic_s@castor.wustl.edu
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|August 23, 2001
Summary
This study developed a quality assurance method using a phantom to accurately assess multimodality image registration and fusion for radiation therapy planning. The validated method ensures reliable image alignment for improved treatment accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Radiotherapy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate image registration and fusion are critical for effective radiation therapy planning.
- Multimodality imaging (CT, MR, PET) offers complementary information but requires precise alignment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a quality assurance (QA) methodology for evaluating the accuracy of multimodality image registration and fusion.
- To validate this QA method for conformal 3D and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning.
Main Methods:
- An anthropomorphic head phantom with CT, MR, and PET visible targets was utilized.
- Image registration was performed using commercial software with affine transformations on CT/CT, CT/MR, and CT/PET datasets.
- A novel external fiducial marking system was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Registration accuracy for CT/CT, CT/MR, and CT/PET images correlated anatomic landmarks within 2 mm.
- This verified the accuracy of the registration software and the spatial fidelity of the fused image sets.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward phantom-based QA process for image registration and fusion was established.
- This method is suitable for routine clinical use and for developing new registration/fusion software.