Increasing the precision of patient positioning in radiotherapy using positioning aids (ImPRESSing)

Project duration: 01.01.2021 - 31.12.2023

Motivation

As one component of anti-cancer treatment, radiotherapy is applied in several treatment sessions over the course of a few days or weeks. Treatment needs to be highly accurate and precise, because if the tumour is missed, a lower tumour control and an increased dose to surrounding organs at risk can have detrimental effects. A 3D-CT scan of the patient in treatment position serves as blueprint, based on which the radiation treatment plan is calculated as well as the patient is positioned in each session. Immobilization devices are used for accurate repositioning as well as to monitor the patient throughout the treatment session. Current devices, however, are burdensome to the patient and sometimes do not capture the respective body part perfectly.

Goal

This project aims at introducing wireless positioning aids based on photogrammetric and ultra-wideband techniques in the field of radiotherapy in order to increase efficiency and precision of patient positioning and to monitor possible positioning changes during the course of a treatment session.

Description

Reproducible positioning during radiotherapy is usually realised by using masks and other immobilization devices, which are burdensome to the patient and can still be optimized regarding their reproducible precision. This project therefore aims at introducing wireless positioning aids based on photogrammetric and ultra-wideband techniques in the field of radiotherapy in order to increase efficiency and precision of patient positioning and to monitor possible positioning changes during the course of a treatment session. In addition to the positioning technology challenges, electronics-specific boundary conditions such as size, weight, radiation robustness, compatibility with MRT and energy supply will be analysed as well.

Publications

Riedel, M., Schneider, D., Bienert, A., 2023: Photogrammetrische Bestimmung von Kopfbewegungen mittels Facial Landmarks – lessons learned. (submitted)

Riedel, M., Schneider, D., Kramp, J., 2022: Photogrammetrische Bestimmung von Kopfbewegungen mittels Facial Landmarks – proof of concept. In: Luhmann, T., Schumacher, Ch. (Hrsg.): Photogrammetrie, Laserscanning, Optische 3D-Messtechnik – Beiträge der Oldenburger 3D-Tage 2022, VDE Verlag, pp. 25-37.

Riedel, M., Schneider, D., Bienert, A., 2022: Photogrammetrische Bestimmung von Kopfbewegungen mittels Facial Landmarks – proof of concept. Tagungsband zum 24. Workshop 3D-NordOst 2022. Gesellschaft zur Förderung angewandter Informatik e.V.

Student work:

Hoffmann, S., 2022: Recherche zu Lösungen zur Patientenpositionierung in der Strahlentherapie sowie Analyse des Potenzials neuer Methoden, Studienarbeit am IPF, unveröffentlicht. (TUD-IPF, deveritec)

Kramp, J., 2022: Entwicklung und Validierung eines Konzepts zur photogrammetrischen Posen-Bestimmung von Köpfen in der Strahlentherapie auf Basis eines Vier-Kamera-Systems, Masterarbeit am IPF, unveröffentlicht. (TUD-IPF, deveritec)