Application and Development of Spectral CT in Target Delineation for Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

Lung cancer ranks first among all malignancies in both incidence and mortality worldwide, and precise target volume delineation is the key to ensuring the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy. Conventional CT imaging has significant limitations in distinguishing tumors from surrounding normal tissues, particularly in the presence of atelectasis or inflammation, which compromises the accuracy of target delineation. As an advanced imaging technology, spectral CT can provide multi-dimensional information, including material composition analysis, monoenergetic images, and effective atomic number mapping, offering groundbreaking potential to enhance the precision of lung cancer target volume delineation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of spectral CT, explores its specific application value in lung cancer target volume delineation, analyzes the current challenges, and provides an outlook on future development trends, aiming to serve as a comprehensive reference for clinical practice and scientific research.