Synthetic CTs for MRI-only brain RT treatment: integration of immobilization systems

PurposeAuxiliary devices such as immobilization systems should be considered in synthetic CT (sCT)-based treatment planning (TP) for MRI-only brain radiotherapy (RT). A method for auxiliary device definition in the sCT is introduced, and its dosimetric impact on the sCT-based TP is addressed.MethodsT1-VIBE DIXON was acquired in an RT setup. Ten datasets were retrospectively used for sCT generation. Silicone markers were used to determine the auxiliary devices' relative position. An auxiliary structure template (AST) was created in the TP system and placed manually on the MRI. Various RT mask characteristics were simulated in the sCT and investigated by recalculating the CT-based clinical plan on the sCT. The influence of auxiliary devices was investigated by creating static fields aimed at artificial planning target volumes (PTVs) in the CT and recalculated in the sCT. The dose covering 50% of the PTV (D-50) deviation percentage between CT-based/recalculated plan ( increment D-50[%]) was evaluated.ResultsDefining an optimal RT mask yielded a increment D-50[%] of 0.2 +/- 1.03% for the PTV and between -1.6 +/- 3.4% and 1.1 +/- 2.0% for OARs. Evaluating each static field, the largest increment D-50[%] was delivered by AST positioning inaccuracy (max: 3.5 +/- 2.4%), followed by the RT table (max: 3.6 +/- 1.2%) and the RT mask (max: 3.0 +/- 0.8% [anterior], 1.6 +/- 0.4% [rest]). No correlation between increment D-50[%] and beam depth was found for the sum of opposing beams, except for (45 degrees + 315 degrees).ConclusionThis study evaluated the integration of auxiliary devices and their dosimetric influence on sCT-based TP. The AST can be easily integrated into the sCT-based TP. Further, we found that the dosimetric impact was within an acceptable range for an MRI-only workflow.

Automated summary

This study assessed the role of auxiliary devices in sCT-based TP for MRI-only brain radiotherapy. The dosimetric impact of the auxilary devices on the sCT-based TP was investigated by placing an auxiliary structure template (AST) on the MRI. The results showed that the impact of auxiliary devices was within an acceptable range.