Qualitative Evaluation of a Novel 3D Volumetric Radiotherapy Segmentation Tool

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiation Oncology
• Computational Anatomy

Background:

• A new 3D volumetric segmentation tool utilizes minimal points across planes for outlining.
• Unique 3D sculpting tools allow concurrent editing across multiple slices.
• Preclinical evaluation by radiation oncologists assessed this novel tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preclinical performance and user perception of a novel 3D volumetric segmentation tool.
• To compare the new 3D tool with traditional slice-by-slice methods for prostate and seminal vesicle outlining.

Main Methods:

• Three radiation oncologists performed prostate and seminal vesicle segmentation on 14 datasets.
• Both a traditional slice-by-slice method and the new 3D tool were utilized.
• Focus-group feedback was collected to understand clinician perceptions of the 3D outlining paradigm.

Main Results:

• Clinicians reported high satisfaction with outlines from both methods.
• Volumetric sculpting presented a challenge but was perceived positively for speed and smooth volume creation.
• Use of orthogonal planes and minimal point placement was enjoyed by participants.

Conclusions:

• The 3D volumetric outlining system shows potential for accelerating prostate and seminal vesicle segmentation.
• The tool was well-received, capable of producing rapid and smooth volumes.
• Further testing with less time-constrained users is suggested for quantitative data on segmentation time.