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Repeatability of functional MRI for conformal avoidance radiotherapy planning.
Roberto Garcia-Alvarez1, Gary P Liney, Andrew W Beavis
1Centre for MR Investigations, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|January 18, 2006
Summary
This study determined the repeatability of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to create planning margins for functional organs at risk (fOAR) in radiotherapy. Recommended margins are 2.9 mm for the left and 2.2 mm for the right motor cortex.
Area of Science:
- Radiotherapy Planning
- Neuroimaging
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Accurate delineation of functional organs at risk (fOAR) is crucial for effective radiotherapy.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used to identify fOAR.
- Variability in fMRI measurements necessitates establishing appropriate planning margins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the repeatability of fMRI examinations.
- To determine margins for functional organs at risk (fOAR) in radiotherapy planning.
- To enhance the clinical robustness of fMRI in radiation oncology.
Main Methods:
- Investigated motor cortex activation variability in 15 healthy subjects.
- Repeated fMRI examinations three times per subject within a single session.
- Quantified the uncertainty in absolute position and volume of fMRI activation.
Main Results:
- Proposed a planning margin of 2.9 mm for the left motor cortex.
- Proposed a planning margin of 2.2 mm for the right motor cortex.
- Established margins reflecting spatial measurement uncertainty of fOAR in fMRI.
Conclusions:
- An appropriate planning margin was established based on fMRI repeatability.
- The findings represent the uncertainty in spatially measuring fOAR for a single fMRI examination.
- This research is relevant for those assessing the clinical robustness of fMRI.