Functional-guided Thoracic Radiotherapy

Abstract

This literature project focused on evaluating various methods for functional-guided thoracic radiotherapy, targeting the reduction of radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) in lung cancer patients. Functional information illustrates how multiple regions of the lungs perform their physiological roles. Several studies have highlighted the potential of reducing radiation doses in these critical areas, which can significantly influence the quality of patients’ lives.

The primary aim of the research was to explore various ways of implementing high-functional information for patients with lung cancer. The study examined different advanced imaging techniques that could provide more detailed assessments of lung functionality, such as 4DCT, DECT, MRI, and SPECT, and the ways in which the ventilation information was used for patients’ treatment plans.

The research concluded that functional imaging-guided radiotherapy holds significant potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing RILI. However, it also identified challenges, such as the need for standardized definitions of functional lung volumes, the integration of various imaging modalities into clinical practice, and a thorough understanding of how lung functionality can be effectively introduced into clinical settings. Ongoing clinical trials and further research are essential to validate these methods and optimize their application in radiotherapy.

In conclusion, the research highlighted that by incorporating detailed functional information into treatment planning, it is possible to enhance the precision of radiotherapy, protect healthy lung tissue, and improve the overall quality of life for lung cancer patients.