Cone beam CT based image guided radiotherapy: Implementation and clinical use

The kV cone beam CT (CBCT) consists of an X-ray tube and a flat panel detector placed perpendicularly to the treatment beam, allowing the acquisition of hundreds of projections in one rotation of the gantry about the patient. Available in all new linear accelerators, the CBCT provides volumetric imaging in treatment position proving the realization of image- and dose-guided radiotherapy (IGRT and DGRT), The clinical indications correspond to mobile tumours irradiating with high precision required techniques, such as stereotactic, hypofractionated or high dose radiotherapy. The clinical experience is still very limited and concerns mainly prostate, head and neck and lung tumours. The registration and treatment protocols are briefly described. Quality control and training are major issues. CBCT based IGRT is a new technique which needs to be optimized. However, it should provide significant clinical benefit in combination with intensity modulated radiotherapy and new imaging modalities for target delineation. (C) 2009 Societe francaise de radiotherapie oncologique (SFRO). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.