Evaluation of Elekta 4D cone beam CT-based automatic image registration for radiation treatment of lung cancer

The study was aimed to evaluate the precision of Elekta four-dimensional (4D) cone beam CT (CBCT)-based automatic dual-image registrations using different landmarks for clipbox for radiation treatment of lung cancer.

30 4D CBCT scans from 15 patients were studied. 4D CBCT images were registered with reference CT images using dual-image registration: a clipbox registration and a mask registration. The image registrations performed in clinic using a physician-defined clipbox, were reviewed by physicians, and were taken as the standard. Studies were conducted to evaluate the automatic dual registrations using three kinds of landmarks for clipbox: spine, spine plus internal target volume (ITV) and lung (including as much of the lung as possible). Translational table shifts calculated from the automatic registrations were compared with those of the standard.

The mean of the table shift differences in the lateral direction were 0.03, 0.03 and 0.03 cm, for clipboxes based on spine, spine plus ITV and lung, respectively. The mean of the shift differences in the longitudinal direction were 0.08, 0.08 and 0.08 cm, respectively. The mean of the shift differences in the vertical direction were 0.03, 0.03 and 0.03 cm, respectively.

The automatic registrations using three different landmarks for clipbox showed similar results. One can use any of the three landmarks in 4D CBCT dual-image registration. Advance in knowledge: The study provides knowledge and recommendations for application of Elekta 4D CBCT image registration in radiation therapy of lung cancer.