Image guidance systems for brachytherapy

Abstract

The evolution of brachytherapy is largely due to advances in image guidance. A wide array of image modalities are being implemented and investigated to better identify and delineate target volumes and critical structures, visualize the implant, and obtain functional information of the target and surrounding organs. This chapter gives an overview of the different imaging modalities available and both their current and future clinical uses. The chapter includes a description of 2D modalities (planar radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound), 3D modalities (computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography), challenges in the 2D to 3D imaging transition, other imaging methods specific to brachytherapy and tools for multi-modality imaging.