The technological basis for adaptive ion beam therapy at MedAustron: Status and outlook

Markus Stock, Dietmar Georg, Alexander Ableitinger, Andrea Zechner, Alexander Utz, Marta Mumot, Gabriele Kragl, Johannes Hopfgartner, Joanna Gora, Till Böhlen, Loïc Grevillot, Peter Kuess, Phil Steininger, Heinz Deutschmann, Stanislav Vatnitsky

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Journal article

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The ratio of patients who need a treatment adaptation due to anatomical variations at least once during the treatment course is significantly higher in light ion beam therapy (LIBT) than in photon therapy. The ballistic behaviour of ion beams makes them more sensitive to changes. Hence, the delivery of LIBT has always been supported by state of art image guidance. On the contrary CBCT technology was adapted for LIBT quite late. Adaptive concepts are being implemented more frequently in photon therapy and also efficient workflows are needed for LIBT. The MedAustron Ion Beam Therapy Centre was designed to allow the clinical implementation of adaptive image-guided concepts. The aim of this paper is to describe the current status and the potential future use of the technology installed at MedAustron. Specifically addressed is the beam delivery system, the patient alignment system, the treatment planning system as well as the Record & Verify system. Finally, an outlook is given on how high quality X-ray imaging, MR image guidance, fast and automated treatment planning as well as in vivo range verification methods could be integrated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)196-210
Number of pages15
JournalZeitschrift fur Medizinische Physik
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer Care Facilities/organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging
  • Radiotherapy/instrumentation
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/trends

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