Use of body scanner in radiotherapy treatment planning

Abstract

CT body scans obtained on 98 patients before, during, and after radiotherapy were evaluated for their utility in radiotherapy treatment planning and in follow-up after radiotherapy. Twenty-two patients were studied after irradiation. Four received additional treatment, and continuing or planned treatment was withheld from another four on the basis of CT data. Tumor extent was clearly delineated on CT scan in 48/76 cases (63%), suggestive in 25/76 (33%), and not seen in only three (4%). Utilizing CT data relative to all other available tests, in 75 patients, total treatment volume was altered in 34 (45%), tumor coverage was marginal or inadequate in 35 (47%), and volume of normal tissue irradiated was changed in 34 (45%). CT scan data was judged essential for treatment planning in 41, or 55%, of patients studied. Unsuspected areas of tumor involvement were seen in 32 of 75 cases (43%). Use of the CT scan as a patient contour for radiotherapy treatment planning and alternative techniques for inputting the CT data to treatment planning computers are discussed. A simple inexpensive device to accomplish this is described. Speculations are made regarding the impact of CT scanners on transverse axial tomography units and treatment simulators as well as the potential application of the technique in brachytherapy dose computation.