Challenges and opportunities in image guided particle therapy

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Particle therapy offers precise dose tailoring but is sensitive to uncertainties in dose deposition.
• Unique challenges exist in applying biomedical imaging and image processing to particle therapy.
• Non-standardized treatment bunker layouts necessitate custom imaging solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To overview challenges and opportunities in image-guided particle therapy.
• To highlight research perspectives in biomedical imaging and image processing for particle therapy.
• To emphasize the need for dedicated imaging methods in particle therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of current biomedical imaging and image processing techniques in particle therapy.
• Analysis of uncertainties in dose deposition and delivery verification.
• Exploration of custom solutions for non-standardized treatment environments.

Main Results:

• Image-guided methods are essential for verifying dose delivery accuracy in particle therapy.
• Dedicated imaging and processing are required throughout the treatment workflow.
• Imaging offers a valuable tool for validating protocols and visualizing treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Biomedical imaging and image processing are critical for addressing challenges in image-guided particle therapy.
• Further research in these areas is needed to reduce uncertainties and improve treatment outcomes.
• Opportunities exist to leverage imaging for enhanced treatment validation and efficacy visualization.