MRI commissioning of 1.5T MR-linac systems - a multi-institutional study.
Loading...
Embargo End Date
ICR Authors
Authors
Tijssen, RHN
Philippens, MEP
Paulson, ES
Glitzner, M
Chugh, B
Wetscherek, A
Dubec, M
Wang, J
van der Heide, UA
Philippens, MEP
Paulson, ES
Glitzner, M
Chugh, B
Wetscherek, A
Dubec, M
Wang, J
van der Heide, UA
Document Type
Journal Article
Date
2019-03-01
Date Accepted
2018-12-11
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Magnetic Resonance linear accelerator (MR-linac) systems represent a new type of technology that allows for online MR-guidance for high precision radiotherapy (RT). Currently, the first MR-linac installations are being introduced clinically. Since the imaging performance of these integrated MR-linac systems is critical for their application, a thorough commissioning of the MRI performance is essential. However, guidelines on the commissioning of MR-guided RT systems are not yet defined and data on the performance of MR-linacs are not yet available. MATERIALS & METHODS: Here we describe a comprehensive commissioning protocol, which contains standard MRI performance measurements as well as dedicated hybrid tests that specifically assess the interactions between the Linac and the MRI system. The commissioning results of four MR-linac systems are presented in a multi-center study. RESULTS: Although the four systems showed similar performance in all the standard MRI performance tests, some differences were observed relating to the hybrid character of the systems. Field homogeneity measurements identified differences in the gantry shim configuration, which was later confirmed by the vendor. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of dedicated hybrid commissioning tests and the ability to compare the machines between institutes at this very early stage of clinical introduction. Until formal guidelines and tolerances are defined the tests described in this study may be used as a practical guideline. Moreover, the multi-center results provide initial bench mark data for future MR-linac installations.
Citation
Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, 2019, 132 pp. 114 - 120
Source Title
Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
ISSN
0167-8140
eISSN
1879-0887
Collections
Research Team
Radiotherapy Physics Modelling