Trimodality PET/CT/MRI and Radiotherapy: A Mini-Review

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized external radiotherapy by making it possible to visualize and segment the tumors and the organs at risk in a three-dimensional way. However, if CT is a now a standard, it presents some limitations, notably concerning tumor characterization and delineation. Its association with functional and anatomical images, that are positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), surpasses its limits. This association can be in the form of a trimodality PET/CT/MRI. The objective of this mini-review is to describe the process of performing this PET/CT/MRI trimodality for radiotherapy and its potential clinical applications. Trimodality can be performed in two ways, either a PET/MRI fused to a planning CT (possibly with a pseudo-CT generated from the MRI for the planning), or a PET/CT fused to an MRI and then registered to a planning CT (possibly the CT of PET/CT if calibrated for radiotherapy). These examinations should be performed in the treatment position, and in the second case, a patient transfer system can be used between the PET/CT and MRI to limit movement. If trimodality requires adapted equipment, notably compatible MRI equipment with high-performance dedicated coils, it allows the advantages of the three techniques to be combined with a synergistic effect while limiting their disadvantages when carried out separately. Trimodality is already possible in clinical routine and can have a high clinical impact and good inter-observer agreement, notably for head and neck cancers, brain tumor, prostate cancer, cervical cancer.

Keywords: computed tomography; hybrid imaging; magnetic resonance imaging; positron emission tomography; radiotherapy.