Netherlands Team Proves Concept of MR-Guided Radiotherapy

Recently, there has been a scientific breakthrough by a research team in the Netherlands to test MRI-guided radiation therapy in a clinical atmosphere. The main goal is to accurately target tumors using “real-time image guidance” with radiotherapy. This particular design of medical equipment can be beneficial when used in conjunction with an MRI because it integrates a linear accelerator with an MR scanner. The researchers were able to prove that MR imaging did not corrupt the MR scanner or the linac performance. In addition, they discovered that they can avoid critical structures and reduce side effects.

Both the accelerator and the MRI were modified to enhance operation so it was simultaneous and unrestricted. This was important to prove that quality diagnostic MR imaging and irradiation were attainable. In addition, the redesign of the MR magnet allowed the radiation to beam through and vertically maximize the irradiation field. Most of the external field was canceled, because the magnet was actively shielded and side effects were reduced.

In addition to redesigning the medical equipment, researchers modified the arrangement of the treatment room. This enabled researchers to shield the accelerator and the remaining portion of the treatment room. Also, with the magnet actively shielded, most of the external field generated by the inner coils is canceled, which provides enhanced imaging performance and a steroidal low-field zone around the magnet.

More research must be explored before this type of medical equipment can be used in radiotherapy clinics. However, research has proven that having an active shield enhanced the MRI performance while the radiation beam was on. This was achieved because the active shield can achieve both magnetic and RF decoupling.

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