Automatic prostate localization on cone-beam CT scans for high precision image-guided radiotherapy

PURPOSE: Previously, we developed an automatic three-dimensional gray-value registration (GR) method for fast prostate localization that could be used during online or offline image-guided radiotherapy. The method was tested on conventional computed tomography (CT) scans. In this study, the performance of the algorithm to localize the prostate on cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans acquired on the treatment machine was evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Five to 17 CBCT scans of 32 prostate cancer patients (332 scans in total) were used. For 18 patients (190 CBCT scans), the CBCT scans were acquired with a collimated field of view (FOV) (craniocaudal). This procedure improved the image quality considerably. The prostate (i.e., prostate plus seminal vesicles) in each CBCT scan was registered to the prostate in the planning CT scan by automatic 3D gray-value registration (normal GR) starting from a registration on the bony anatomy. When these failed, registrations were repeated with a fixed rotation point locked at the prostate apex (fixed apex GR). Registrations were visually assessed in 3D by one observer with the help of an expansion (by 3.6 mm) of the delineated prostate contours of the planning CT scan. The percentage of successfully registered cases was determined from the combined normal and fixed apex GR assessment results. The error in gray-value registration for both registration methods was determined from the position of one clearly defined calcification in the prostate gland (9 patients, 71 successful registrations). Results: The percentage of successfully registered CBCT scans that were acquired with a collimated FOV was about 10% higher than for CBCT scans that were acquired with an uncollimated FOV. For CBCT scans that were acquired with a collimated FOV, the percentage of successfully registered cases improved from 65%, when only normal GR was applied, to 83% when the results of normal and fixed apex GR were combined. Gray-value registration mainly failed (or registrations were difficult to assess) because of streaks in the CBCT scans caused by moving gas pockets in the rectum during CBCT image acquisition (i.e., intrafraction motion). The error in gray-value registration along the left-right, craniocaudal, and anteroposterior axes was 1.0, 2.4, and 2.3 mm (1 SD) for normal GR, and 1.0, 2.0, and 1.7 mm (1 SD) for fixed apex GR. The systematic and random components of these SDs contributed approximately equally to these SDs, for both registration methods. Conclusions: The feasibility of automatic prostate localization on CBCT scans acquired on the treatment machine using an adaptation of the previously developed three-dimensional gray-value registration algorithm, has been validated in this study. Collimating the FOV during CBCT image acquisition improved the CBCT image quality considerably. Artifacts in the CBCT images caused by large moving gas pockets during CBCT image acquisition were the main cause for unsuccessful registration. From this study, we can conclude that CBCT scans are suitable for online and offline position verification of the prostate, as long as the amount of nonstationary gas is limited.     

瓦里安23EX加速器附加锥形束CT图像的CT值线性分析

目的 分析瓦里安23EX加速器附加千伏级X线锥形束CT (CBCT)在不同扫描条件下模体图像在不同位置处的CT值线性变化。方法 应用安装在直线加速器上的CBCT系统在标准头(体)部扫描条件下重复扫描不同位置Catphan504模体,将结果传至计划系统及Matlab 7.0,测量不同位置处不同密度插件的CT值线性情况。经与传统扇形束CT重建后图像CT值线性结果进行比较,了解CBCT图像CT值线性空间分布。结果 模体CBCT图像在标准头(体)部扫描条件下,在横断面、矢状面、冠状面及偏中心位置处CT值线性均有良好表现,其线性拟合因子R²值均>0.953。Bowtie滤过器虽然使得被测量物质的CT值不同,但并不改变CBCT图像CT值的线性。结论 瓦里安23EX加速器附加CBCT图像CT值线性良好,如对CT值做进一步校正,使CBCT图像用于治疗计划系统的剂量计算将成为可能。     

Target localization and real-time tracking using the Calypso 4D localization system in patients with localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE: The Calypso 4D Localization System is being developed to provide accurate, precise, objective, and continuous target localization during radiotherapy. This study involves the first human use of the system, to evaluate the localization accuracy of this technique compared with radiographic localization and to assess its ability to obtain real-time prostate-motion information. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three transponders were implanted in each of 20 patients. Eleven eligible patients of the 20 patients participated in a study arm that compared radiographic triangulated transponder locations to electromagnetically recorded transponder locations. Transponders were tracked for 8-min periods. RESULTS: The implantations were all successful, with no major complications. Intertransponder distances were largely stable. Comparison of the patient localization on the basis of transponder locations as per the Calypso system with the radiographic transponder localization showed an average (+/-SD) 3D difference of 1.5 +/- 0.9 mm. Upon tracking during 8 min, 2 of the 11 patients showed significant organ motion (>1 cm), with some motion lasting longer that 1 min. CONCLUSION: Calypso transponders can be used as magnetic intraprostatic fiducials. Clinical evaluation of this novel 4D nonionizing electromagnetic localization system with transponders indicates a comparable localization accuracy to isocenter, (within 2 mm) compared with X-ray localization.     

The Feasibility and Utility of Cystoscopy-Guided Hydrogel Marker Placement in Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

PurposeFiducial markers at the borders of bladder tumors are useful to facilitate target delineation radiation therapy (RT) and offer the possibility of image guided RT for a focal boost. Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and technical performance of cystoscopy-guided placement of hydrogel markers in patients with bladder cancer referred for RT.Methods and MaterialsOurs was a prospective, multicenter, feasibility, and utility study. Thirty-two consecutive patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, referred for RT, underwent cystoscopy-guided implantation of hydrogel markers. Feasibility, clinical performance of the markers, and adverse events were registered. Computer tomography (CT) scans and cone beam CT (CBCT) scans acquired during RT were analyzed to evaluate the visibility and stability of the markers during the radiation period.ResultsA total of 107 hydrogel spots were implanted in 32 patients with bladder cancer. There were no procedure-related adverse events. On the simulation CT scan 76.6% of the implanted markers were sufficient for tumor delineation. At start of treatment 52.3% were visible on the CBCT and adequate for positional verification on a routine basis. The washout rate during treatment was 9.3%. At the end of treatment 46.7% of implanted spots were visible on CBCT scan and adequate for routine positional verification. At patient level, in 31.2% of cases, use of hydrogel fiducials showed adequate performance throughout the whole course.ConclusionsCystoscopy-guided placement of hydrogel markers is both safe and feasible for muscle-invasive bladder tumors. Adequate performance for radiation purposes throughout the whole course (implantation, delineation, and positional verification) was 46.7% of all implanted markers, leaving room for improvement.     

Evaluation of therapeutic potential of heavy ion therapy for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of raster scanned heavy charged particle therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa,) with special regard to the influence of internal organ motion on the dose distribution. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The CT data of 8 patients with PCa who underwent three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (RT) were chosen. In addition to the routine treatment planning scan, three to five additional positioning control CT scans were performed. The organs at risk and the target volumes were defined on all CT scans. Primary and boost carbon ion plans were calculated to deliver 66 Gy to the clinical target volume/planning target volume, with an additional 10 Gy to the gross tumor volume (GTV). To estimate the influence of internal organ motion on plan quality, the dose was recalculated on the basis of the control CT scans. The comparative analysis was based on the dose-volume histogram-derived physical parameters. RESULTS: The average 90% target coverage was 99.1% for the GTV. The maximal dose to the rectum was 71.8 Gy. The average rectal mean dose was 19 Gy. The volume of the rectum receiving 70 and 68 Gy was 0.1 and 0.3 cm3. The average difference in the 90% coverage for the GTV on control CT cubes was 3.6%. The maximal rectal dose increased to 76.2 Gy. The deviation in the mean rectal dose was <1 Gy on average. The rectal volume receiving 70 and 68 Gy increased to 2.5 and 3.3 cm3. CONCLUSION: The investigation demonstrated the feasibility of raster scanned carbon ions for PCa RT. Excellent coverage of the target volume and optimal sparing of the rectum were acquired. The combination of photon intensity-modulated RT and a carbon ion boost to the GTV is the most rational solution for the gain of clinical experience in heavy ion RT for PCa patients.     

肝癌碘油标记图像对锥形束CT图像配准方法及靶区外放的影响

目的 分析碘油标记的肝癌图像对有无图像引导放疗(IGRT)中不同配准方法及靶区外放范围的影响。方法 5例经动脉灌注化疗栓塞(TACE)后放疗的肝癌患者,在医科达IGRT联合主动呼吸控制(ABC)系统下,每日治疗前用锥形束CT (CBCT)采集图像。根据靶区及邻近器官进行治疗计划CT图像和CBCT容积图像配准,记录左右、上下、前后方向偏移值(CBCT₁),并校正摆位误差;纠正后再次CBCT扫描与CT图像配准(CBCT₂);治疗结束后,再次CBCT扫描与CT图像配准(CBCT₃)。用SPSS软件计算CTV-PTV的外放边界,对CBCT₁、CBCT₂、CBCT₃比较结果行配对t检验。结果 CBCT₁和CBCT₂及CBCT₃在左右、上下、前后方向偏移值不同,分别为0.254、－0.612、0.314 cm和0.020、0.014、－0.064 cm及－0.004、0.042、－0.040 cm。CTV-PTV外放边界无IGRT时左右、上下、前后方向分别为0.96、0.96、0.83 cm,有IGRT时为0.67、0.68、0.58 cm。离线分析放疗过程中CBCT下碘油图像形态变化发现,即使在靶区(碘油)精确配准下,肝脏在上下方向、椎体在3个方向上仍有很大偏移值。结论 IGRT技术带来的CTV-PTV外放减小约3 mm。内靶区无标记物患者,CTV-PTV外放应将肿瘤上下方向误差及椎体误差考虑在内。配准时如果单纯以肝缘图像为参考配准点,图像配准将会有很大不确定性。     

Assessing Inter-Fraction Changes in The Size and Position of The Penile Bulb During Daily MR-Guided Radiation Therapy to The Prostate Bed: Do We Need to Adjust How We Plan Radiation in The Post-Radical Prostatectomy Setting to Reduce Risk of Erectile Dysfunction?

BackgroundWe evaluated inter-fraction penile bulb (PB) changes in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing MR-guided RT in the post-radical prostatectomy (RP) setting.Materials and Methods10 patients with PCa status-post RP received MR-guided RT from 2017-2019. Patients received daily setup volumetric MRI scans prior to RT delivery for alignment and target localization. Setup MRI datasets from Fx 1, Fx 19, and Fx 37 were fused for each patient based on soft tissue anatomy. The PB was contoured on each MRI. Data on volume (cc), superior/inferior positional change (cm), and mean dose (Gy) was collected. Differences were assessed by Student’s t-test (sig. p<0.05).ResultsThe mean PB volume change from Fx 1→ 19 was +0.34 ± 0.34 cc (p=0.11) and from Fx 1→ 37 was +0.22 ± 0.28 cc (p=0.31). The mean positional change from Fx 1→ 19 was +0.08±0.26 cm (p=0.37) and from Fx 1→ 37 was +0.05 ±0.25 cm (p=0.57). The mean change in mean PB dose from Fx 1→ 19 was +0.19±4.86 Gy (p=0.98) and from Fx 1→ 37 was -1.51≖7.46 Gy (p=0.88).ConclusionWe present the first study evaluating inter-fraction changes to the PB during MR-guided RT. We found no clinically meaningful difference in the volume, positional change, or mean dose during RT in the post-prostatectomy setting, suggesting that PB organ motion may not need to be accounted for in radiation treatment planning.     

Comparison of 2D radiographic images and 3D cone beam computed tomography for positioning head-and-neck radiotherapy patients

PURPOSE: To assess the positioning accuracy using two-dimensional kilovoltage (2DkV) imaging and three-dimensional cone beam CT (CBCT) in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer receiving radiation therapy. To assess the benefit of patient-specific headrest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All 21 patients studied were immobilized using thermoplastic masks with either a patient-specific vacuum bag (11 of 21, IMA) or standard clear plastic (10 of 21, IMB) headrests. Each patient was imaged with a pair of orthogonal 2DkV images in treatment position using onboard imaging before the CBCT procedure. The 2DkV and CBCT images were acquired weekly during the same session. The 2DkV images were reviewed by oncologists and also analyzed by a software tool based on mutual information (MI). RESULTS: Ninety-eight pairs of assessable 2DkV-CBCT alignment sets were obtained. Systematic and random errors were <1.6 mm for both 2DkV and CBCT alignments. When we compared shifts determined by CBCT and 2DkV for the same patient setup, statistically significant correlations were observed in all three major directions. Among all CBCT couch shifts, 4.1% > or = 0.5 cm and 18.7% > or = 0.3 cm, whereas among all 2DkV (MI) shifts, 1.7% > or = 0.5 cm and 11.2% > or = 0.3 cm. Statistically significant difference was found on anteroposterior direction between IMA and IMB with the CBCT alignment only. CONCLUSIONS: The differences between 2D and 3D alignments were mainly caused by the relative flexibility of certain H&N structures and possibly by rotation. Better immobilization of the flexible neck is required to further reduce the setup errors for H&N patients receiving radiotherapy.     

Changing pattern of radiation therapy for bone metastases in an Australian population-based cohort of men with prostate cancer

IntroductionTo evaluate the pattern of use of single-fraction conformal radiation therapy (SF-RT) and advanced radiation therapy techniques (ART), including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), for management of bone metastases (BM) in a population-based cohort of Australian men with prostate cancer (PCa)Patient and methodsWe reviewed men with metastatic PCa who received RT for BM between 2012 and 2017 as captured in the statewide Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Data Set (VRMDS). The primary outcomes were: proportion of RT courses using SF-RT and ART. The Cochrane-Armitage test for trend was used to evaluate the changing pattern of SF-RT and ART over time. Multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with the primary outcomesResultsOf the 4,324 courses of palliative RT for BM, 767 (17.7%) were SF-RT, and 615 (14.2%) were ART. There was no evidence of change in SF-RT use over time (P-trend=0.13). In multivariate analyses, increasing age at RT, site of BM (rib, shoulder, pelvis, and extremities), patients’ area of residence (regional and remote), and treatment in public and metropolitan centres were associated with increased likelihood of SF-RT use. There was marked increase in ART use from 0.2% in 2012 to 24% in 2017 (11% intensity modulated RT, 13% SBRT) (P-trend<0.001). In multivariate analyses, younger age at RT, site of BM (rib and pelvis), higher socioeconomic status, and treatment in private and metropolitan centres were associated with increased likelihood of ART use.ConclusionSF-RT continues to be a clear minority of RT schedules employed in management of BM in PCa, and the adoption of SF-RT use should be encouraged in men with limited prognosis. There has been increasing use of ART, especially SBRT, for BM in PCa over time, and we expect this will continue to increase in the era of metastatic-directed treatment for PCa.     

Megavoltage cone-beam CT: Recent developments and clinical applications]

The Megavoltage cone-beam (MV CBCT) system consists of a new a-Si flat panel adapted for MV imaging and an integrated workflow application allowing the automatic acquisition of projection images, cone-beam CT image reconstruction, CT to CBCT image registration and couch position adjustment. This provides a 3D patient anatomy volume in the actual treatment position, relative to the treatment isocenter, moments before the dose delivery, that can be tightly aligned to the planning CT, allowing verification and correction of the patient position, detection of anatomical changes and dose calculation. In this paper, we present the main advantages and performance of this MV CBCT system and summarize the different clinical applications. Examples of the image-guided treatment process from the acquisition of the MV CBCT scan to the correction of the couch position and dose delivery will be presented for spinal and lung lesions and for head and neck, and prostate cancers.     

A cone beam CT-Based Study for Clinical Target Definition Using Pelvic Anatomy During Postprostatectomy Radiotherapy

PURPOSE: There are no accepted guidelines for target volume definition for online image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) after radical prostatectomy (RP). This study used cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging to generate information for use in post-RP IGRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The pelvic anatomy of 10 prostate cancer patients undergoing post-RP radiation therapy (RT) to 68.4 Gy was studied using CBCT images obtained immediately before treatment. Contoured bladder and rectal volumes on CBCT images were compared with planning CT (CT(ref)) volumes from seminal vesicle stump (SVS) to bladder-urethral junction. This region was chosen to approximate the prostatic fossa (PF) during a course of post-RP RT. Anterior and posterior planning target volume margins were calculated using ICRU report 71 guidelines, accounting for systematic and random error based on bladder and rectal motion, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 176 CBCT study sets obtained 2 to 5 times weekly were analyzed. The rectal and bladder borders were reliably identified in 166 of 176 (94%) of CBCT images. Relative to CT(ref), mean posterior bladder wall position was anterior by 0.1 to 1.5 mm, and mean anterior rectum wall position was posterior by 1.6 to 2.7 mm. Calculated anterior margin as derived from bladder motion ranged from 5.9 to 7.1 mm. Calculated posterior margin as derived from rectal motion ranged from 8.6 to 10.2 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Normal tissue anatomy was definable by CBCT imaging throughout the course of post-RP RT, and the interfraction anteroposterior motion of the bladder and rectum was studied. This information should be considered in devising post-RP RT techniques using image guidance.     

miR-199b-5p-DDR1-ERK signalling axis suppresses prostate cancer metastasis via inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background The investigation of underlying mechanism and the exploitation of novel therapies for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) are still urgently needed. miR-199b-5p has been suggested to function as tumour suppressor in various human cancers. However, the clinical significance and role of miR-199b-5p in PCa remain unclear.Methods The current study sought to investigate the expression status of miR-199b-5p in PCa and the involved molecular mechanisms in PCa metastasis by using bioinformatics analyses, loss-and gain-of-functions and rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo.Results We demonstrated that miR-199b-5p was significantly downregulated in metastatic PCa tissues and cells when compared with the normal prostate tissue, the localised disease, the weakly metastatic and androgen-dependent PCa cell and the normal prostate epithelial cell. We also found that miR-199b-5p drastically suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited xenografts tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, our results showed that miR-199b-5p could inhibit discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (DDR1) expression by directly targeting its 3’-UTR, thereby hindering epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated traits, which were induced by DDR1 activating ERK signalling pathway. Moreover, PCa patients with low miR-199b-5p expression level had a remarkably shorter overall survival than those with high miR-199b-5p level, indicating an association of miR-199b-5p loss with poor prognosis in patients with PCa. Furthermore, DDR1 was upregulated in PCa, and significantly correlated with high Gleason score, advanced pathological stage, tumour metastasis and shorter overall survival.Conclusions Our study, for the first time, provide evidence of a tumour-suppressive function of miR-199b-5p in the invasion and metastasis of PCa, supporting the translational exploitation of miR-199b-5p-based therapeutic approaches for PCa metastases. Also, the miR-199b-5p-DDR1-ERK signalling axis identified in this study represents a novel mechanism of regulating EMT in PCa metastases.Subject terms: Oncogenes, Prostate cancer     

Reduction of radiation pneumonitis by V20-constraints in breast cancer

Background

To assess the accuracy of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) using a stereotactic mask fixation system.

Patients and Methods

Sixteen patients treated with FSRT were involved in the study. A commercial stereotactic mask fixation system (BrainLAB AG) was used for patient immobilization. Serial CT scans obtained before and during FSRT were used to assess the accuracy of patient immobilization by comparing the isocenter position. Daily portal imaging were acquired to establish day to day patient position variation. Displacement errors along the different directions were calculated as combination of systematic and random errors.

Results

The mean isocenter displacements based on localization and verification CT imaging were 0.1 mm (SD 0.3 mm) in the lateral direction, 0.1 mm (SD 0.4 mm) in the anteroposterior, and 0.3 mm (SD 0.4 mm) in craniocaudal direction. The mean 3D displacement was 0.5 mm (SD 0.4 mm), being maximum 1.4 mm. No significant differences were found during the treatment (P = 0.4). The overall isocenter displacement as calculated by 456 anterior and lateral portal images were 0.3 mm (SD 0.9 mm) in the mediolateral direction, -0.2 mm (SD 1 mm) in the anteroposterior direction, and 0.2 mm (SD 1.1 mm) in the craniocaudal direction. The largest displacement of 2.7 mm was seen in the cranio-caudal direction, with 95% of displacements < 2 mm in any direction.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the setup error of the presented mask system evaluated by CT verification scans and portal imaging are minimal. Reproducibility of the isocenter position is in the best range of positioning reproducibility reported for other stereotactic systems.     

The contribution of magnetic resonance imaging to the three-dimensional treatment planning of localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the use of transaxial and coronal MR imaging improves the ability to localize the apex of the prostate and the anterior part of the rectum compared to the use of transaxial CT alone, and whether the incorporation of MR could improve the coverage of the prostate by the radiotherapy field and change the volume of rectum irradiated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten consecutive patients with localized prostate carcinoma underwent a CT and an axial and coronal MR scan in treatment position. The CT and MR images were mathematically aligned, and three observers were asked to contour independently the prostate and the rectum on CT and on MR. The interobserver variability of the prostatic apex location and of the delineation of the anterior rectal wall were assessed for each image modality. A dosimetry study was performed to evaluate the dose to the rectum when MR was used in addition to CT to localize the pelvic organs. RESULTS: The interobserver variation of the prostatic apex location was largest on CT ranging from 0.54 to 1.07 cm, and smallest on coronal MR ranging from 0.17 to 0.25 cm. The interobserver variation of the delineation of the anterior rectum on MR was small and constant along the whole length of the prostate (0.09+/-0.02 cm), while for CT it was comparable to that for the MR delineation at the base of the prostate, but it increased gradually towards the apex, where the variation reached 0.39 cm. The volume of MR rectum receiving more than 80% of the prescribed dose was on average reduced by 23.8+/-11.2% from the CT to the MR treatment plan. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the additional use of axial and coronal MR scans, in designing the treatment plan for localized prostate carcinoma, improves substantially the localization accuracy of the prostatic apex and the anterior aspect of the rectum, resulting in a better coverage of the prostate and a potential to reduce the volume of the rectum irradiated to a high dose.     

Salvage concurrent radio-chemotherapy for post-operative local recurrence of squamous-cell esophageal cancer

Background

The aim of this study is to compare three methodologies of prostate localization and to determine if there are significant differences in the techniques.

Methods

Daily prostate localization using cone beam CT or orthogonal kV imaging has been performed at UT Southwestern Medical Center since 2006. Prostate patients are implanted with gold seeds, which are matched with the planning CT or DRR before treatment. More recently, a technology using electromagnetic transponders implanted within the prostate was introduced into our clinic (Calypso?). With each technology, patients are localized initially using skin marks and the room lasers. In this study, patients were localized with Calypso and either CBCT or kV orthogonal images in the same treatment session, allowing a direct comparison of the technologies. Localization difference distributions were determined from the difference in the offsets determined by CBCT/kV imaging and Calypso. CBCT-Calypso and kV imaging-Calypso localization data were summarized from over 900 and 250 fractions each, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed rank test is used to determine if the localization differences are statistically significant. We also calculated Pearson??s product?Cmoment correlation coefficient (R²) to determine if there is a linear relationship between the shifts determined by Calypso and the radiographic techniques.

Results

The differences between CBCT-Calypso and kV imaging-Calypso localizations are ?0.18?±?2.90?mm, -0.79?±?2.18?mm, -0.01?±?1.20?mm and ?0.09?±?1.40?mm, 0.48?±?1.50?mm, 0.08?±?1.04?mm, respectively, in the AP, SI, and RL directions. The Pearson product?Cmoment correlation coefficients for the CBCT-Calypso shifts were 0.71, 0.92 and 0.88 and for the OBI-Calypso comparison were 0.95, 0.89 and 0.85. The percentage of localization differences that were less than 3?mm were 86.1%, 84.5% and 96.0% for the CBCT-Calypso comparison and 95.8%, 94.3% and 97% for the kV OBI-Calypso comparison. No trends were observed in the Bland-Altman analysis.

Conclusions

Localization of the prostate using electromagnetic transponders agrees well with radiographic techniques and each technology is suitable for high precision radiotherapy. This study finds that there is more uncertainty in CBCT localization of the prostate than in 2D orthogonal imaging, but the difference is not clinically significant.     

A switch from CD44+ cell to EMT cell drives the metastasis of prostate cancer

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been linked to cancer stem-like (CD44+) cell in the prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we found EMT contributed to metastasis in PCa patients failed in androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Castration TRAMP model also proved PCa treated with ADT promoted EMT with increased CD44+ stem-like cells. Switched CD44+ cell to EMT cell is a key step for luminal PCa cell metastasis. Our results also suggested ADT might go through promoting TGFβ1-CD44 signaling to enhance swift to EMT. Targeting CD44 with salinomycin and siRNA could inhibit cell transition and decrease PCa invasion. Together, cancer stem-like (CD44+) cells could be the initiator cells of EMT modulated by TGFβ1-CD44 signaling. Combined therapy of ADT with anti-CD44 may become a new potential therapeutic approach to battle later stage PCa.     

宫颈癌IMRT同步剂量补偿高剂量率后装中CT参考点与固定等中心计划研究

目的∶研究宫颈癌调强放射治疗（mtnity modulation ndain herapy,IMRT）同步剂量补偿高剂量率后装中CT 参考点与计划等中心位置重合的可能性,以简化流程,改进临床工作。方法∶回顾性分析12 例Ⅱ～Ⅲ。期的宫颈癌患者,比较患者以 CT 参考点为等中心与原临床计划以中危靶区（inemediterik clical arge volume, IRCTV）几何中心为等中心两种情况下剂量参数的区别,统计患者 IRCTV 几何中心距离耻骨联合上缘处距离。结果∶两种治疗计划在 CT参考点与IRCTV几何中心距离较近时均能满足临床要求,靶区适形性指数（Cl）以及小肠剂量无统计学差异。但将CT 参考点设置为等中心会让高危靶区（hig rik clinical urget volume,HRCTV）中 Dao, Dom,D,m增加的同时（P<0.05）,也会一定程度增加膀胱和直肠 D.i,DI,D2值（P<0.05）。同时随着 CT参考点与IRCTV 几何中心之间距离的增加,IRCTV中Dom,Do,C与HRCTV中Do,Do,CI的偏差均有随着距离增加面增大趋势,其中对靶区Dm影响最大,IRCTV最大偏差达到10.04%,HRCTV 最大偏差达到12.68%。接受根治放疗的患者与术后患者 RCTV 几何中心与耻骨联合上缘处相对距离∶X方向分别为（-0.07±0.67）cm,（-0.09±0.55）cm（P=0.823）;Y方向分别为（2.58±1.07）cm,（1.23±0.99）cm（P<0.05）;Z方向分别为（-7.17± 0.91）m,（-6.84±0.90）cm（P<0.05）。结论∶在宫颈癌 IMRT同步剂量补偿高剂量率后装治疗中,X方向按照体表中线,Y方向根治与术后患者分别按照趾骨联合上缘处患者头方向2.58 cm 和1.23cm,Z方向分别按照耻骨联合上缘下方7.17 cm 和6.84cm进行 CT定位,能减少CT参考点与IRCTV 几何中心的相对距离。在此基础上,可考虑在治疗过程中直接将 CT 参考点设置为计划等中心。     

On-board patient positioning for head-and-neck IMRT: comparing digital tomosynthesis to kilovoltage radiography and cone-beam computed tomography

PURPOSE: High-precision intensity-modulated radiotherapy demands high patient positioning accuracy. On-board digital tomosynthesis (DTS) provides three-dimensional (3D) image guidance for daily positioning with a lower imaging dose, faster acquisition, and more geometric flexibility than 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This clinical study evaluated DTS as a daily imaging technique for patient positioning and compared the results with 3D CBCT and two-dimensional (2D) radiography. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy were studied. For each session, the patient was positioned using laser marks. On-board imaging data sets, including 2D kilovoltage radiographs, DTS, and CBCT, were obtained to measure the daily patient positioning variations. The mean and standard deviations of the positioning variations in the translational and rotational directions were calculated. The positioning differences among 2D radiography, DTS, and CBCT were analyzed. RESULTS: Image data sets were collected from 65 treatment fractions for 10 patients. The systematic patient positioning variation was <0.10 cm and 1.0 degrees one dimensionally. The random variations were 0.27-0.34 cm in the translational and 0.93 degrees -1.99 degrees in the rotational direction. The mean vector isocenter variation was 0.48 cm. DTS with 40 degrees and 20 degrees scan angles in the coronal or sagittal directions yielded the same results for patient positioning. DTS performance was comparable to that of CBCT, with positioning differences of <0.1 cm and 0.5 degrees . The positioning difference between 2D radiography and DTS was approximately 0.1 cm and 0.2 cm in the vertical/longitudinal and lateral directions. CONCLUSION: Our results have demonstrated that DTS is a comparable 3D imaging technique to CBCT for daily patient positioning of head-and-neck patients as determined by manual registration of bony anatomy.     

Influence of the initial rectal distension on posterior margins in primary and postoperative radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to define the effect of different rectum fillings in the planning CT study on the posterior clinical target volume (CTV) displacements (PD) in primary and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients underwent CT scans in supine position with a full bladder and an empty bladder before RT and at several points in time during the treatment. PD were determined depending on the initial rectum volume (RV), average cross-sectional rectal area (CSA), and the rectal diameter at the level of the bladder neck (RD). RESULTS: Posterior CTV motion was not found to be minimal with a particularly small initial rectum filling. Steeply increasing PD resulted for patients with RV>120cm(3), CSA>12cm(2), and RD>4.5cm. While below these critical values a posterior margin of 6mm/9mm allowed to cover 80%/90% of displacements, 18mm/24mm were needed for patients with larger rectum fillings. No correlation of increasing rectum distension with increasing PD was found at the apex level. PD could not be reduced by voiding the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Defining the posterior margin in prostate RT, the initial rectum distension and the superior-inferior CTV level has to be considered. Patients with large initial rectum fillings have preferentially the need for repeated planning CT scans or image-guided RT.     

自由呼吸频率与运动幅度对CT与CBCT图像配准偏差分析

目的 探讨自由呼吸状态下,不同呼吸频率、运动幅度对CT扫描图像与CBCT图像的配准偏差。方法 使用QUASAR呼吸运动模体,改变运动频率和头脚方向上的运动幅度,模拟不同状态下的自由呼吸运动。在模体静止时、各种运动状态下分别行定位CT扫描和CBCT扫描,获取相应配准结果及CT定位靶区体积,进行定量分析。结果 以模体静止时的定位CT图像为参考进行配准,当运动幅度一定时,频率的变化对图像的配准误差无明显影响。运动幅度分别为5 mm、10 mm、20 mm、30 mm时,配准误差分别为（0.213±0.020） cm、（0.351±0.009） cm、（0.654±0.010） cm与（0.972±0.022）cm。当运动幅度为5 mm、10 mm时,定位靶区体积变化为-16.92%~18.78%。当运动幅度为20 mm、30 mm时,定位靶区体积变化为-16.44%~81.70%。结论 自由呼吸运动下频率变化对CBCT与定位CT图像之间的配准误差无明显影响。运动幅度为5 mm、10 mm时,配准误差小,定位靶区体积变化小;当运动幅度为20 mm、30 mm时,配准误差可超过0.5 cm,定位靶区体积变化可>20%。