IGRT/ART phantom with programmable independent rib cage and tumor motion

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Accurate simulation of respiratory motion is crucial for effective radiation therapy.
• Existing phantoms may lack the complexity to replicate realistic thoracic movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate the Methods and Advanced Equipment for Simulation and Treatment in Radiation Oncology (MAESTRO) thorax phantom.
• To create an anthropomorphic phantom with a moving ribcage and 3D tumor positioning for advanced treatment planning.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel anthropomorphic thorax phantom with a dynamic ribcage and a 3D target positioning system.
• Utilized Vicon Nexus for 3D motion tracking and CT scans to assess rib motion and tissue equivalence.
• Evaluated millimeter accuracy, motion repeatability, and material density agreement.

Main Results:

• Achieved millimeter accuracy for the 3D target positioning system and ribcage motion.
• Demonstrated programmable sinusoidal motion with high repeatability (within 0.16 mm RMSE).
• Confirmed tissue equivalence with within 3% agreement for various anatomical components.

Conclusions:

• The MAESTRO phantom is a valuable research tool for simulating realistic 3D rib and internal target motion.
• Its design facilitates synchronized motion, enabling advanced research in radiation oncology.
• The static lungs allow for versatile use with different inserts or tissue-equivalent materials.