Digital imaging in the radiation oncology environment: a personal computer local area network solution

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Digital Imaging

Background:

• Personal computer (PC) driven digital imaging devices are increasingly available for radiation oncology.
• Real-time portal images are essential for verifying patient anatomy during megavoltage x-ray therapy.
• Current systems can generate single and movie loop images for immediate physician review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce PC-based digital imaging devices for real-time portal imaging in radiation oncology.
• To describe a newly developed Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) tailored for radiation oncology's digital imaging needs.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing PC-driven digital imaging devices to produce real-time portal images.
• Implementing a specialized PC-based Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for image dissemination and management.

Main Results:

• Real-time portal images provide limited contrast but are vital for treatment verification.
• The developed PACS effectively manages and disseminates digital images used in radiation therapy planning and delivery.
• The system supports both single and movie loop image formats for physician review.

Conclusions:

• PC-based digital imaging technology enhances patient treatment verification in radiation oncology.
• A tailored PACS is crucial for efficient management and dissemination of digital images in radiation therapy.
• These advancements improve the integration of digital imaging into clinical radiation oncology workflows.