[Radiation therapy and medical imaging]

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Radiation therapy aims to maximize tumor dose while sparing normal tissues.
• Technological advancements like conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have improved dose distribution.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for adapting radiation plans to individual patient anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of various imaging modalities in radiation therapy planning and delivery.
• To illustrate how advanced imaging techniques can optimize treatment outcomes.
• To discuss the integration of imaging for real-time patient motion management during treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of established and emerging imaging techniques in radiation oncology.
• Discussion of morphological and functional imaging applications.
• Exploration of imaging devices integrated with linear accelerators.

Main Results:

• Morphological imaging (e.g., computed tomography) is standard for radiotherapy planning.
• Functional imaging (e.g., MRI, positron emission tomography) offers complementary information.
• 4D computed tomography and integrated imaging systems aid in motion management and adaptive planning.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging is integral to modern radiation therapy, enhancing precision and safety.
• Multimodality imaging approaches improve tumor delineation and organ-at-risk identification.
• Continuous imaging during treatment delivery is essential for managing patient motion and ensuring accurate dose application.