Projects / Programmes
Computer-assisted medical image analysis for proton and radiotherapy treatment planning
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.06.07 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
Biomedical technics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T111 |
Technological sciences |
Imaging, image processing |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.06 |
Engineering and Technology |
Medical engineering
|
image analysis, image processing, radiotherapy, proton therapy, cancer, irradiation of cancer, treatment planning
Researchers (16)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Cancer is, in Slovenia as well as worldwide, a great public health problem, and among the key challenges of modern society in the contexts of health management and quality of life. In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, radiation and lately proton therapy are important and widespread cancer treatment options. In order to generate optimal radiation dose distributions, it is important to have a precise knowledge of the location and shape of the tumors as well as of nearby healthy organs at risk (OARs). For this purpose, three-dimensional (3D) images of the patient are acquired with the computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique, and accurate and precise delineation of target volumes from such images represents the basis for the inverse planning of optimal radiation dose distribution. Our research hypothesis is that the delineation of target volumes in the head and neck area can be improved in the CT as well as MR image modality, and by exploiting the fused information from both imaging modalities, so as to reduce the subjectivity and time spent for manual delineation. Within the proposed research project we will therefore aim to (1) setup an annotated database of CT and MR images of the head and neck area with OARs precisely delineated by multiple observers on multiple occasions, (2) evaluate the generated image database from the perspective of intra-observer and inter-observer variability to generate reference delineation masks, (3) design and develop computer-assisted techniques based on state-of-the art technologies for automated segmentation of target volumes from 3D CT and/or MR images that are used for radiotherapy planning for the purpose of improving the accuracy and reliability of the resulting segmentation while reducing the time and effort required by the observer to verify or eventually modify the results, (4) design and setup a platform for an objective evaluation and comparison of the segmentation results by means of organizing a computational challenge, and (5) explore the possibilities of applying the developed methodology to related problems in the field of radiotherapy planning. It is expected that the results of the proposed research project will represent a break-through in the corresponding research field, and stimulate new research guidelines.
Significance for science
Within the proposed research project, we will develop novel automated techniques that will be based on computer-assisted processing, analysis and quantitative evaluation of 3D medical images used for radiotherapy planning, with emphasis on methods for medical image segmentation. As such, the results of the proposed research project will fall into the category of medical technology, as they will represent application of knowledge and skills in the form of techniques that will be developed to solve a particular health problem, and can in general improve the quality of life and the general well-being of individuals and of the society. One important aspect of the chosen research field is that Slovenia is, besides actively conducting cancer treatment with radiotherapy, also involved in the research and development of alternative and emerging forms of cancer treatment, such as electroporation and proton therapy. For both treatments, planning in the form of target volume delineation/segmentation is an essential part of the procedure, therefore making the acquisition and analysis of medical images indispensable. Whereas electroporation is in Slovenia already established as a research and application field, an important aspect I that Slovenia is planning to invest into a center for proton therapy, and such an investment will only but benefit from the available knowledge and experience gained in the field of radiation oncology and radiotherapy planning. Although the ultimate success of a new medical technology is measured mostly by its impact on clinical practice, it can be also evaluated through its contributions to scientific knowledge. Based on the present research project proposal and past research activities of the research group members, and the reputation of the research team in the field of medical image processing and analysis as well as radiation oncology, which are all reflected in numerous publications in high ranked peer-reviewed scientific journals, it is expected that the impact of the proposed research project to scientific knowledge will be high. In particular, relevant contributions to engineering and medical sciences will be one of the important results of the proposed research project. New findings are expected to result in advances in cancer treatment through an improved radiotherapy planning. New findings related to the design and development of automated techniques for computer-assisted segmentation of 3D images used for radiotherapy planning are expected to result in advances in the fields of biomedical engineering, medical imaging and radiation oncology. These advances will be reflected in new publications, application of novel ideas and methods, and transfer and implementation of knowledge into national and foreign healthcare institutions and business communities. The impact in the fields of medicine, biomedical engineering and image analysis may also stimulate the development of adequate technologies that can be transferred to clinical environment.
Significance for the country
Within the proposed research project, we will develop novel automated techniques that will be based on computer-assisted processing, analysis and quantitative evaluation of 3D medical images used for radiotherapy planning, with emphasis on methods for medical image segmentation. As such, the results of the proposed research project will fall into the category of medical technology, as they will represent application of knowledge and skills in the form of techniques that will be developed to solve a particular health problem, and can in general improve the quality of life and the general well-being of individuals and of the society. One important aspect of the chosen research field is that Slovenia is, besides actively conducting cancer treatment with radiotherapy, also involved in the research and development of alternative and emerging forms of cancer treatment, such as electroporation and proton therapy. For both treatments, planning in the form of target volume delineation/segmentation is an essential part of the procedure, therefore making the acquisition and analysis of medical images indispensable. Whereas electroporation is in Slovenia already established as a research and application field, an important aspect I that Slovenia is planning to invest into a center for proton therapy, and such an investment will only but benefit from the available knowledge and experience gained in the field of radiation oncology and radiotherapy planning. Although the ultimate success of a new medical technology is measured mostly by its impact on clinical practice, it can be also evaluated through its contributions to scientific knowledge. Based on the present research project proposal and past research activities of the research group members, and the reputation of the research team in the field of medical image processing and analysis as well as radiation oncology, which are all reflected in numerous publications in high ranked peer-reviewed scientific journals, it is expected that the impact of the proposed research project to scientific knowledge will be high. In particular, relevant contributions to engineering and medical sciences will be one of the important results of the proposed research project. New findings are expected to result in advances in cancer treatment through an improved radiotherapy planning. New findings related to the design and development of automated techniques for computer-assisted segmentation of 3D images used for radiotherapy planning are expected to result in advances in the fields of biomedical engineering, medical imaging and radiation oncology. These advances will be reflected in new publications, application of novel ideas and methods, and transfer and implementation of knowledge into national and foreign healthcare institutions and business communities. The impact in the fields of medicine, biomedical engineering and image analysis may also stimulate the development of adequate technologies that can be transferred to clinical environment.
