Abstract
Imaging is central to radiation oncology practice, with advances in radiation oncology occurring in parallel with advances in imaging. New imaging modalities like CT, MRI, and PET/CT offer more anatomical detail of tumor and surrounding tissue and are used to delineate the planning target volume (PTV) and the organs at risk in the planning process. Therefore, we can achieve a more secure staging and a better view of target tumor volume. Computer-assisted calculation of the radiation dose distribution ensures that the objectives for target coverage and avoidance of healthy tissue are achieved. New advances in radiation therapy allows accurate treatment delivery and thus safe total radiation dose. The new robotic state-of-the-art radiation treatment units are capable of three-dimensional soft tissue imaging immediately before, during, or after radiation delivery, improving the localization of the target at the time of radiation delivery (IGRT). In addition, IGRT allows changes in tumor position, size, and shape to be measured during the course of radiotherapy. These advances result in better treatment outcome, organ preservation, and minimization of side effects. IMRT/VMAT, 4D, IGRT, and adaptive RT are techniques developed due the advances of imaging. The technological improvement leads to better tumor control and survival benefit of patient.
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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Italia
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Katsochi, D.M., Sandilos, P.C., Paraskevopoulou, C.I. (2014). Imaging in Radiation Therapy. In: Gouliamos, A., Andreou, J., Kosmidis, P. (eds) Imaging in Clinical Oncology. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5385-4_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5385-4_3
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