MRI-guided Radiation Therapy (MRIgRT) using integrated MRI-Linear Accelerators, or MRI-Linacs, is a fast-growing technology for cancer radiation therapy, offering the ability to visualize soft tissue prior to and during radiation therapy, and to adapt the treatment to anatomic and potentially physiologic changes observed prior to and during radiation therapy. There are multiple commercial and research MRIgRT options. Compared with current cancer radiation therapy technology MRIgRT has the potential for improved tumor control and decreased normal tissue complications, as well as increasing the number of patient eligible for shorter treatment courses, all of which will benefit patients. However, MRIgRT is complex: in addition to the challenges of using MRI to achieve geometric information, the MRI scanner affects the linac operation and charged particle transport; whilst the linac affects the MRI scanner operation. New and emerging technology is being developed for imaging, dose delivery and dose measurement. In parallel, clinical data is emerging. This presentation will describe the development, current status and future outlook for MRI-Linacs, with a focus on one of the differentiating technologies, motion management in MRIgRT.

Acknowledgements

PJK acknowledges the dedication and input from the people at the ACRF Image X Institute at the University of Sydney and the Australian MRI-Linac Program team. Funding from the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is gratefully acknowledged.

References

No reference found.