MR-only simulation for prostate
Today, MR has even more to offer for radiation treatment planning. Innovative MR-only simulation by Philips helps you rely on MR as a primary imaging modality for prostate cancer treatment planning. Available as a plug-in extension to Ingenia MR-RT, MR-only simulation allows you to adopt a single-modality imaging approach that provides excellent soft-tissue contrast you trust for target delineation - plus density information for dose calculations. Fast scanning protocols and embedded post-processing steps generate MRCAT (MR for Calculating ATtenuation) images on the MR console in just a few minutes with the density information you’d expect from CT.
Dr. Uulke van der Heide describes MR’s changing role in radiotherapy and a recent collaboration with Philips to bring MR-only simulation for RT planning from the lab to clinic. The Philips Ingenia MR-RT platform now supports MR-only simulation for planning the treatment of prostate cancer patients. Prof. Dr. van der Heide is a medical physicist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam.
Challenges in an MR-CT simulation approach
A combined MR-CT approach can benefit radiation treatment planning. In most clinical workflows, MRI-based information on tissue characterization and tumor delineation is registered to a primary CT dataset. This provides the electron density information as input for dose calculations. Yet this method can also put pressure on workflows, patients, and costs. CTMR image registration also introduces uncertainties. Errors in the alignment of MR and CT images series in the treatment preparation stage propagate as a systematic geometric error following the patient throughout the entire treatment period.
The potential of an MR-only simulation workflow
An MR-only simulation workflow can eliminate technical, worfklow and economic challenges related to the MR-CT multimodality imaging workflow for specific tumor types and help you adopt MR for your treatment planning.
Fast and automated approach
Philips MR-only simulation provides a fast and automated approach to obtain excellent soft-tissue contrast and robust 3D density maps in one MR imaging session.
RTdrive MR prostate
Perform prostate dose calculations based on MR-data only
MR-sim
T2W Soft-tissue contrast
MRCAT Density information
Delineation and dose planning
Clinical excellence with MR-only simulation
To successfully bring MR-only simulation into your clinical routine, we recognize the need to look beyond MR imaging – and also address steps such as patient marking, position verification, and quality assurance. We can help you successfully adopt this new simulation paradigm with our workflow descriptions and tailored training support for radiation oncology professionals.
MR-only simulation for prostate
| Compatibility | Ingenia MR-RT 1.5T and 3.0T |
| Anatomy supported | Prostate |
| Imaging protocol | Dedicated ExamCard provides sequences for: |
| MRCAT generation | Running parallel to image acquisition on the MR console, embedded post-processing generates MRCAT images using: |
| Auto-segmentation | Five different classifications: water, fat, spongy bone, compact bone, and air |
| Export to treatment planning systems | MRCAT images are DICOM conform (CT) for direct export to treatment planning systems |
Radiation Oncology solutions
Philips has a proven portfolio of dedicated radiotherapy solutions that span imaging to treatment planning. We help you to address sources of uncertainty and inefficiency with innovations such as industry-leading imaging, scalable and customizable treatment planning, and intelligent workflow automation. And as a committed partner, we help you maximize value and future proof your investments.
Ingenia MR-RT
Ingenia MR-RT is a dedicated MR simulation platform that provides high-quality, high-contrast MR images acquired in the treatment position. This helps clinicians benefit from MRI’s excellent soft-tissue contrast for visualization of targets and critical structures and support confident delineation. Designed for the needs of radiation oncology, this comprehensive solution offers the tools and software to work with the precision and versatility you demand.
RTdrive1
Driving speed and consistency from image to plan. RTdrive1 MR Prostate aims to streamline workflows and speed time from imaging to treatment plan with intelligent workflow automation.
CT Big Bore
CT simulator to meet the needs of radiation oncology, focusing on accuracy, patient positioning, imaging performance, and intuitive workflow.
Pinnacle3 Treatment Planning
Fast, accurate, and interactive treatment planning tools have made Pinnacle³ a leader in radiation treatment planning. With a reputation for performance, reliability and a flexible, intuitive planning environment that simplifies workflow, Pinnacle³ has become the product of choice of many leading cancer centers globally.
1. Tested in a non-clinical environment with single Pinnacle3 user and a 5-beam IMRT plan. Excluding time for optional manual adjustments.
