Abstract

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Title:: Progress in application of ultrasound-based image-guided technology in external beam radiotherapy

Author(s):: TANG Hui1; LI Guangjun2; LI Changhu2; BAI Sen2; 1. West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China

Keywords:: ; Keywords: image-guided radiotherapy; ultrasound imaging; external beam radiotherapy; review

Abstract:: Abstract: Image-guided radiotherapy is an advanced technique to achieve precise radiotherapy. At present, the commonly-used image-guided techniques include cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), optical surface imaging, ultrasound and so on. The application of CBCT is limited by extra radiation, poor soft tissue resolution and lack of real-time monitoring. Optical surface imaging can only acquire the information of body surface and lack internal organ information. Ultrasound has the advantages of noninvasive, no radiation and high soft tissue resolution. From two-dimensional ultrasound to four-dimensional ultrasound-guided technology, it has unique advantages in the measurement of the target volume and the real-time monitoring of inter-fractional and intra-fractional target movements. Herein the developments of ultrasound and its applications in external beam radiotherapy are summarized.