• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.37-52
• /
• 2022

Over the past decades, radiation therapy combined with imaging modalities that ensure optimal image guidance has revolutionized cancer treatment. The two major purposes of using imaging modalities in radiotherapy are to clearly delineate the target prior to treatment and set up the patient during radiation delivery. Image guidance secures target position prior to and during the treatment. High quality images provide an accurate definition of the treatment target and the possibility to reduce the treatment margin of the target volume, further lowering radiation toxicity and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. In this review, the various types of image guidance modalities used in radiation therapy are distinguished into ionized (kilovoltage and megavoltage image) and nonionized imaging (magnetic resonance image, ultrasound, surface imaging, and radiofrequency). The functional aspects, advantages, and limitation of imaging using these modalities are described as a subsection of each category. This review only focuses on the technological viewpoint of these modalities and any clinical aspects are omitted. Image guidance is essential, and its importance is rapidly increasing in modern radiotherapy. The most important aspect of using image guidance in clinical settings is to monitor the performance of image quality, which must be checked during the periodic quality assurance process.

• Journal of IKEEE
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.193-200
• /
• 2015

In this paper, we propose the radiation measuring algorithm and the device composition using CMOS image sensor. The radiation measuring algorithm using CMOS image sensor is based on the radiation particle distinguishing algorithm projected to the CMOS image sensor and accumulated and average number of pixels of the radiation particles projected to dozens of images per second with CMOS image sensor. The radiation particle distinguishing algorithm projected to the CMOS image sensor measures the radiation particle images by dividing them into R, G and B and adjusting the threshold value that distinguishes light intensity and background from the particle of each image. The radiation measuring algorithm measures radiation with accumulated and average number of radiation particles projected to dozens of images per second with CMOS image sensor according to the preset cycle. The hardware devices to verify the suggested algorithm consists of CMOS image sensor and image signal processor part, control part, power circuit part and display part. The test result of radiation measurement using the suggested CMOS image sensor is as follows. First, using the low-cost CMOS image sensor to measure radiation particles generated similar characteristics to that from measurement with expensive GM Tube. Second, using the low-cost CMOS image sensor to measure radiation presented largely similar characteristics to the linear characteristics of expensive GM Tube.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.149-155
• /
• 2019

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) image guided radiation therapy system, enables real time MR guided radiotherapy (RT) without additional radiation exposure to patients during treatment. However, MR image lacks electron density information required for dose calculation. Image fusion algorithm with deformable registration between MR and computed tomography (CT) was developed to solve this issue. However, delivered dose may be different due to volumetric changes during image registration process. In this respect, synthetic CT generated from the MR image would provide more accurate information required for the real time RT. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 1,209 MR images from 16 patients who underwent MR guided RT. Structures were divided into five tissue types, air, lung, fat, soft tissue and bone, according to the Hounsfield unit of deformed CT. Using the deep learning model (U-NET model), synthetic CT images were generated from the MR images acquired during RT. This synthetic CT images were compared to deformed CT generated using the deformable registration. Pixel-to-pixel match was conducted to compare the synthetic and deformed CT images. Results and Discussion: In two test image sets, average pixel match rate per section was more than 70% (67.9 to 80.3% and 60.1 to 79%; synthetic CT pixel/deformed planning CT pixel) and the average pixel match rate in the entire patient image set was 69.8%. Conclusion: The synthetic CT generated from the MR images were comparable to deformed CT, suggesting possible use for real time RT. Deep learning model may further improve match rate of synthetic CT with larger MR imaging data.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.101-111
• /
• 2017

The number of imaging data sets has significantly increased during radiation treatment after introducing a diverse range of advanced techniques into the field of radiation oncology. As a consequence, there have been many studies proposing meaningful applications of imaging data set use. These applications commonly require a method to align the data sets at a reference. Deformable image registration (DIR) is a process which satisfies this requirement by locally registering image data sets into a reference image set. DIR identifies the spatial correspondence in order to minimize the differences between two or among multiple sets of images. This article describes clinical applications, validation, and algorithms of DIR techniques. Applications of DIR in radiation treatment include dose accumulation, mathematical modeling, automatic segmentation, and functional imaging. Validation methods discussed are based on anatomical landmarks, physical phantoms, digital phantoms, and per application purpose. DIR algorithms are also briefly reviewed with respect to two algorithmic components: similarity index and deformation models.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
• /
• 2005.07a
• /
• pp.390-392
• /
• 2005

The digital radiation detectors are used clinically by diagnostic apparatus. However the digital radiation detector are some problem like high operating voltage, light blurring, low conversion efficiency, low fill factor, etc. Thus we propose a new radiation detector that the photoconductor layer and liquid crystal layer are coupled in sandwich structure. X-ray absorption in the photoconductor layer controls the state of the liquid crystal via creation of charge carrier and the light modulation of liquid crystal make image formation. The advantage of the new radiation detector is that high resolution image is acquired and the signal amplification is possible by external visible light source. In this study, we study the optical properties and electrical properties of the new radiation detector to irradiate X-ray. The Mercury Iodide($HgI_2$) was used by photoconductor material, and the aluminum is used by reflective layer. The thickness of Mercury Iodide is about $200{\mu}m$, the operating voltage of the liquid crystal is 1.5~5V. The electrical properties of Mercury Iodide was measured, and the transmission efficiency of liquid crystal was measured by modulation potential.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.327-342
• /
• 2006

Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment in which cancer patients are treated using high-energy radiation such as x-rays, gamma rays, electrons, protons, and neutrons. Currently, about half of all cancer patients receive radiation treatment during their whole cancer care process. The goal of radiation therapy is to deliver the necessary radiation dose to cancer cells while minimizing dose to surrounding normal tissues. Success of radiation therapy highly relies on how accurately 1) identifies the target and 2) aim radiation beam to the target. Both tasks are strongly dependent of imaging technology and many imaging modalities have been applied for radiation therapy such as CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonant Image), and PET (Positron Emission Tomogaphy). Recently, many researchers have given significant amount of effort to develop and improve imaging techniques for radiation therapy to enhance the overall quality of patient care. For example, advances in medical imaging technology have initiated the development of the state of the art radiation therapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), gated radiation therapy, tomotherapy, and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Capability of determining the local tumor volume and location of the tumor has been significantly improved by applying single or multi-modality imaging fur static or dynamic target. The use of multi-modality imaging provides a more reliable tumor volume, eventually leading to a better definitive local control. Image registration technique is essential to fuse two different image modalities and has been In significant improvement. Imaging equipments and their common applications that are in active use and/or under development in radiation therapy are reviewed.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
• /
• 2002.09a
• /
• pp.103-105
• /
• 2002

Whole body stereotactic radiosurgery (WBSRS) technique is believed to be useful for the metastatic lesions as well as relatively small primary tumors in the trunk. Unlike stereotactic radiosurgery to intracranial lesion, inherent limitation on immobilization of whole body makes it difficult to achieve the reliable setup reproducibility. For this reason, it is essential to develop an objective and quantitative method of evaluating setup error for WBSRS. An evaluation technique using image registration has been developed for this purpose. Point pair image registrations with WBSRS frame coordinates were performed between two sets of CT images acquired before each treatment. Positional displacements could be determined by means of volumetric planning target volume (PTV) comparison between the reference and the registered image sets. Twenty eight sets of CT images from 19 WBSRS patients treated in Asan Medical Center have been analyzed by this method for determination of setup random error of each treatment. It is objective and clinically useful to analyze setup error quantitatively by image registration technique with WBSRS frame coordinates.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
• /
• 2002.09a
• /
• pp.446-449
• /
• 2002

The video based electronic portal imaging device (EPID), which could display the portal image in near real time, was implemented to verify treatment position error in FSRT(Fractionated Stereotatic Radiation Therapy) instead of a portal film. Also, Developed FSRT system was composed of the stereotactic frame, frame mounting system and collimator cones. The verification of treatment position is very crucial in special therapies like FSRT. In general, the FSRT uses high dpse rate at small field size for treating small intracranial lesions. To evaluate quantitative positioning errors in FSRT, we used the first FSRT image as reference image and obtained the second FSRT image that was moved 2mm intentionally and detected intracranial contours after image processing. The generated 2mm error could be verified by overlapping only contours of two images. Through this study, the radiation treatment efficiency could be improved by performing precise radiation therapy with a developed video based EPID and FSRT.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.161-171
• /
• 2015

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) is a process of incorporating imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound (US) during radiation therapy (RT) to improve treatment accuracy. It allows real-time or near real-time visualization of anatomical information to ensure that the target is in its position as planned. In addition, changes in tumor volume and location due to organ motion during treatment can be also compensated. IGRT has been gaining popularity and acceptance rapidly in RT over the past 10 years, and many published data have been reported on prostate, bladder, head and neck, and gastrointestinal cancers. However, the role of IGRT in lymphoma management is not well defined as there are only very limited published data currently available. The scope of this paper is to review the current use of IGRT in the management of lymphoma. The technical and clinical aspects of IGRT, lymphoma imaging studies, the current role of IGRT in lymphoma management and future directions will be discussed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.497-504
• /
• 1998

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of electronic portal imaging device through objective compare of the images acquired using an EPID and a conventional port film Materials and Methods : From Apr. to Oct. 1997, a total of 150 sets of images from 20 patients who received radiation therapy in the pelvis area were evaluated in the Inha University Hospital and Severance Hospital. A dual image recording technique was devised to obtain both electronic portal images and port film images simultaneously with one treatment course. We did not perform double exposure five to ten images were acquired from each patient. All images were acquired from posteroanterior (PA) view except images from two patients. A dose rate of 100-300 Mu/min and a 10-MV X-ray beam were used and 2-10 MUs were required to produce a verification image during treatment. Kodak diagnostic film with metal/film imaging cassette which was located on the top of the EPID detector was used for the port film. The source to detector distance was 140 cm. Eight anatomical landmarks (pelvic brim, sacrum, acetabulum. iliopectineal line, symphysis, ischium, obturator foramen, sacroiliac joint) were assessed. Four radiation oncologist joined to evaluate each image. The individual landmarks in the port film or in the EPID were rated - very clear (1), clear (2), visible (3), not clear (4), not visible (5). Results : Using an video camera based EPID system. there was no difference of image quality between no enhanced EPID images and port film images. However, when we provided some change with window level for the portal image, the visibility of the sacrum and obturator foramen was improved in the portal images than in the port film images. All anatomical landmarks were more visible in the portal images than in the port film when we applied the CLAHE mode enhancement. The images acquired using an matrix ion chamber type EPID were also improved image qualify after window level adjustment. Conclusion : The quality of image acquired using an electronic portal imaging device was comparable to that of the port film. When we used the enhance mode or window level adjustment. the image quality of the EPID was superior to that of the port film. EPID may replace the port film.