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Updated: May 13, 2026
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Dynamic Lung Tumor Tracking for Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiation Therapy
Published on: June 7, 2015
Real-time tumor tracking in the lung using an electromagnetic tracking system.
Amish P Shah1, Patrick A Kupelian, Benjamin J Waghorn
1Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, Orlando, FL 32806, USA. Amish.Shah@orlandohealth.com
Summary
This study explored the Calypso 4D Localization System for lung cancer patients. While transponder implantation and tracking are achievable, improvements are needed for clinical use in lung radiation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Physics
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy Technology
Background:
- Accurate tumor localization is critical for effective lung cancer radiotherapy.
- Real-time tracking of lung tumors can mitigate motion-related uncertainties.
- The Calypso 4D Localization System offers potential for improved intra-fraction targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using the Calypso 4D Localization System for lung tumors.
- To assess bronchoscopic implantation of electromagnetic transponders.
- To determine transponder stability and tracking accuracy within the lung.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Calypso 4D Localization System in a research setting for 7 lung cancer patients.
- Investigated bronchoscopic implantation of smooth-surface beacon transponders.
- Analyzed real-time 4-dimensional lung tumor motion tracks and transponder stability.
Main Results:
- Successful implantation of at least one transponder in all 7 patients.
- 13 of 14 implanted transponders remained stable and were successfully tracked.
- Secondary fiducial implantation was often necessary due to transponder surface smoothness.
Conclusions:
- Electromagnetic transponder implantation and tracking in the lung is achievable but not yet clinically available.
- Lung tumor motion shows significant inter- and intra-fraction variability.
- Further advancements in transponder design and tracking systems are required for clinical implementation in lung radiation therapy.
