4-D Software Adjusts for Breathing in Lung Cancer Radiation Treatments

Four-dimensional software tested by French researchers shows promise in calculating movement during the respiratory cycle of lung cancer treatments, announced the European Society for Medical Oncology during a conference this week.

The two-step technique requires a 4D CT scan to record a set of CT slices for each of 10 respiratory phases followed by the software helping determine the respiratory phases for radiation therapy based on established criteria.

“The software doesn’t require any special equipment and doesn’t cause any additional cost,” said lead researcher Nicolas Peguret, M.D. “However, it is important to have a 4D CT available to be able to acquire synchronized image sets, as well as a system that allows synchronization of the thoracic movements during radiotherapy.”

Dr. Peguret emphasized that the software cannot replace the radiation oncologist. “It simply provides the doctor with information about the movement of the tumor.

“Depending on the oncologist’s clinical objectives, he or she will choose the optimal phase for radiotherapy in an individual patient. In this way, our software transforms the information provided by 4D CT into a real benefit for the patient.”

The researchers are conducting a phase II clinical trial on this method, with results expected early next year. Additional information on this research can be found at http://vouspr.com/vocuseu/Newsroom/.