Accurate, robust and harmonized implementation of morpho-functional imaging in treatment planning for personalized radiotherapy

PLoS One. 2019 Jan 9;14(1):e0210549. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210549. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

In this work we present a methodology able to use harmonized PET/CT imaging in dose painting by number (DPBN) approach by means of a robust and accurate treatment planning system. Image processing and treatment planning were performed by using a Matlab-based platform, called CARMEN, in which a full Monte Carlo simulation is included. Linear programming formulation was developed for a voxel-by-voxel robust optimization and a specific direct aperture optimization was designed for an efficient adaptive radiotherapy implementation. DPBN approach with our methodology was tested to reduce the uncertainties associated with both, the absolute value and the relative value of the information in the functional image. For the same H&N case, a single robust treatment was planned for dose prescription maps corresponding to standardized uptake value distributions from two different image reconstruction protocols: One to fulfill EARL accreditation for harmonization of [18F]FDG PET/CT image, and the other one to use the highest available spatial resolution. Also, a robust treatment was planned to fulfill dose prescription maps corresponding to both approaches, the dose painting by contour based on volumes and our voxel-by-voxel DPBN. Adaptive planning was also carried out to check the suitability of our proposal. Different plans showed robustness to cover a range of scenarios for implementation of harmonizing strategies by using the highest available resolution. Also, robustness associated to discretization level of dose prescription according to the use of contours or numbers was achieved. All plans showed excellent quality index histogram and quality factors below 2%. Efficient solution for adaptive radiotherapy based directly on changes in functional image was obtained. We proved that by using voxel-by-voxel DPBN approach it is possible to overcome typical drawbacks linked to PET/CT images, providing to the clinical specialist confidence enough for routinely implementation of functional imaging for personalized radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / chemistry
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Precision Medicine*
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Junta de Andalucía (FISEVI, reference project CTS 2482) and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. Specifically, Elisa Jiménez Ortega received a personal fellowship for completion of her doctoral thesis, partly based on this work.