Management of metallic implants in radiotherapy

Area of Science:

• Medical physics
• Radiotherapy
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Increasing number of patients with metallic implants undergoing radiotherapy.
• Metallic implants cause significant artifacts in CT images, impacting radiation therapy stages.
• Deterioration in image quality affects delineation, dosimetry, and dose delivery accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update recommendations on managing metallic implant artifacts in radiation therapy.
• To evaluate existing and emerging methods for artifact reduction.
• To ensure the quality and safety of radiation treatments for patients with metallic implants.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and experimental techniques for metallic artifact reduction.
• Analysis of the pros and cons of each method.
• Consensus update from the French Society of Oncological Radiotherapy.

Main Results:

• Identification of various techniques to reduce metallic implant artifacts.
• Assessment of the effectiveness and limitations of each method.
• Guidance on selecting appropriate techniques based on clinical scenarios.

Conclusions:

• Managing metallic implant artifacts is crucial for safe and effective radiation therapy.
• Continuous evaluation of new technologies is necessary.
• Updated recommendations aim to improve treatment planning and delivery for this patient population.