Individualized radiotherapy by combining high-end irradiation and magnetic resonance imaging

Strahlenther Onkol. 2016 Apr;192(4):209-15. doi: 10.1007/s00066-016-0944-5. Epub 2016 Feb 6.

Abstract

Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) has been integrated into daily clinical routine and can today be considered the standard especially with high-dose radiotherapy. Currently imaging is based on MV- or kV-CT, which has clear limitations especially in soft-tissue contrast. Thus, combination of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and high-end radiotherapy opens a new horizon. The intricate technical properties of MR imagers pose a challenge to technology when combined with radiation technology. Several solutions that are almost ready for routine clinical application have been developed. The clinical questions include dose-escalation strategies, monitoring of changes during treatment as well as imaging without additional radiation exposure during treatment.

Keywords: Image-guided radiotherapy; Individualized medicine; Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy; Organ sparing treatments; Organs at risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Equipment Design
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / instrumentation*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Organs at Risk
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • Radiation Exposure / prevention & control
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy, Image-Guided / instrumentation*
  • Radiotherapy, Image-Guided / methods*