Integrated MRI-guided radiotherapy - opportunities and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers high-resolution anatomical and functional tissue characterization.
• The integration of MRI with radiotherapy has led to advanced treatment devices.
• MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) has become clinically available over the past decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of MRI-guided radiotherapy.
• To explore the opportunities and challenges associated with MRIgRT.
• To highlight the clinical drivers for adopting MRIgRT.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing MRI for real-time imaging of anatomical and biological tumor features.
• Implementing motion management techniques during treatment.
• Employing biological targeting to adapt radiation delivery.

Main Results:

• MRIgRT enables adaptive treatment strategies by imaging changes before and during therapy.
• The technology allows for precise targeting of aggressive tumor regions.
• Adjusting radiation dose based on real-time imaging improves tumor control probability and reduces toxicity.

Conclusions:

• MRIgRT represents a significant advancement in radiotherapy, improving treatment precision.
• The approach holds the potential to enhance patient survival and quality of life.
• Further development and implementation of MRIgRT are crucial for its widespread clinical benefit.