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The Impact of Interactive MRI-Based Radiologist Review on Radiotherapy Target Volume Delineation in Head and Neck
D Adjogatse1,2, I Petkar3, M Reis Ferreira3
1From the Departments of Oncology (D.A., I.P., M.R.F., A.K., M.L., T.G.U.) Delali.adjogatse@gstt.nhs.uk.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|January 26, 2023
Summary
Radiologist peer review of head and neck cancer radiation therapy target volumes using MR imaging significantly altered gross tumor volumes and clinical target volumes. This review process is crucial for optimizing radiation therapy planning in head and neck cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Head and Neck Cancer
Background:
- Peer review of radiation therapy target volumes was implemented to enhance accuracy in head and neck cancer treatment.
- The study focuses on optimizing target volume delineation through radiologist review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging-based radiologist peer review on head and neck radiation therapy.
- To assess changes in gross tumor and nodal volumes using qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed 50 radical radiation therapy cases with coregistered MR imaging (April 2019-March 2020).
- Documented frequency and nature of volume changes, classifying major alterations.
- Assessed volumetric alignment using Dice similarity coefficient, Jaccard index, and Hausdorff distance.
Main Results:
- Seventy-six percent of gross tumor volumes and 41.5% of gross nodal volumes were altered, with most classified as major changes.
- Undercontouring and unidentified lymph nodes were primary reasons for volume adjustments.
- Radiologist review significantly changed gross tumor volume (P=.034) and clinical target tumor volume (P=.003) sizes.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging-based radiologist review led to significant alterations in radiotherapy target volumes for head and neck cancer.
- The findings suggest that radiologist peer review is an essential component of the radiotherapy workflow for these patients.
