[Treatment planning with functional MRI].

[Treatment planning with functional MRI].
Radiologe. 2015 Oct 27;
Authors: Georg P, Andrzejewski P, Pinker K, Georg D
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided radiotherapy is high precision in treatment delivery. With new developments it is possible to focus the high dose irradiation on the tumor while sparing the surrounding tissue. The achievements in precision of the treatment planning and delivery warrant equally precise tumor definition.
STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: In conventional radiation therapy it is necessary to carry out a planning computed tomography (CT). For many tumors there is also need for an additional morphological MRI because of more accurate tumor definition. In standard radiotherapy the tumor volume is irradiated with a homogeneous dose.
METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: The aim of functional multiparametric MRI is to visualize and quantify biological, physiological and pathological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Based on this information it is possible to elucidate tumor biology and identify subvolumes of more aggressive behavior. They are often radiotherapy-resistant, leading to tumor recurrence thus requiring further dose escalation. The concept of inhomogeneous tumor irradiation according to its biological behavior is called dose painting.
PERFORMANCE: Dose painting is technically feasible. The expected clinical benefit is motiva...

Source: Der Radiologe - October 27, 2015 Category: Radiology Authors: Georg P, Andrzejewski P, Pinker K, Georg D Tags: Radiologe Source Type: research