Shift detection discrepancy between ExacTrac Dynamic system and cone-beam computed tomography

Accurate detection of patient shift is essential during radiation therapy such that optimal dose is delivered to the tumor while minimizing radiation to surrounding normal tissues. The shift detectability of a newly developed optical surface and thermal tracking system, which was known as ExacTrac Dynamic (EXTD), was evaluated by comparing its performance with the image guidance under cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Anthropomorphic cranial and pelvis phantoms with internal bone-like structures and external heat pad were utilized to study the shift detection discrepancy between EXTD system and CBCT. Random displacements within the range of +/- 2 cm for translations and +/- 2 degrees for rotations were intentionally applied to the phantom. Positional shifts detected by optical surface and thermal tracking (EXTD_Thml), stereoscopic X-ray (EXTD_Xray), and CBCT were compared in 6 degrees of freedom. The translational difference between EXTD_Thml and CBCT was 0.57 +/- 0.41 mm and 0.66 +/- 0.40 mm for cranial and pelvis phantom, respectively, while it was 0.60 +/- 0.43 mm and 0.76 +/- 0.49 mm between EXTD_Xray and CBCT, respectively. For rotational movement, the difference between EXTD_Thml and CBCT was 0.19 +/- 0.16 degrees and 0.19 +/- 0.22 degrees for cranial and pelvis phantom, respectively, while it was 0.13 +/- 0.18 degrees and 0.65 +/- 0.46 degrees between EXTD_Xray and CBCT, respectively. This study demonstrated that the EXTD system with thermal mapping ability could offer comparable accuracy for shift detection with CBCT on both cranial and pelvis phantoms.

Automated summary

Accurate detection of patient shift is crucial in radiation therapy to ensure optimal dose delivery to the tumor and minimize radiation to surrounding normal tissues. This study evaluated the shift detectability of a newly developed optical surface and thermal tracking system (EXTD) and compared it with image guidance under cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The results showed that the EXTD system with thermal mapping capability offered comparable accuracy for shift detection with CBCT on both cranial and pelvis phantoms.