4D PET-CT imaging for radiotherapy treatment planning

4D PET-CT imaging for radiotherapy treatment planning

Place: Large Lecture Room - CVC

Affiliation: Netherlands Cancer Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands  

Radiotherapy is alongside surgery one of the most important curative treatments of cancer. Its aim is to irradiate the tumour with ionizing radiation to destroy the malignant cells, while delivering as little as possible radiation in normal tissue. In order to be able to deliver radiation dose exactly in the tumour, imaging is essential.

Historically, radiation treatment planning has been done using 3D data. However, many organs deform during the course of treatment, due to respiration and other involuntary movements of the patient. In my talk I will give some insights in the acquisition, processing and application of 4D PET-CT data for planning purposes.