[The new possibilities of digital luminescence radiography (DLR) and digital imaging data processing for the making of field verification images].

BACKGROUND

Treatment verification for reasons of quality control takes an important place in daily radiotherapeutic work. The quality of conventional, e.g. not digital imaging methods, is often poor. Moreover, portal and verification imaging are commonly used only for photon beam control; even digital portal radiographs were not suitable for verification of electron beams, rotation beams, conformation therapy or dynamic multileaf collimation yet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed a method, using digital luminescence radiography (DLR), not only for portal imaging of photon beams in an excellent quality, but also for verification of electron beams. Further on, DLR was used as basic instrument for image fusion of portal and verification film and simulation film respectively for image processing in "beams-eye-view" verification (BEVV) of rotating beams or conformation therapy.

RESULTS

Digital radiographs of an excellent quality are gained for verification of photon and electron beams. In photon beams, quality improvement vs. conventional portal imaging may be dramatic, even more for high energy beams (e.g. 15-MV-photon beams) than for Co-60. In electron beams, excellent results may be easily obtained. By digital image fusion of 1 or more verification films on simulation film or MRI-planning film, more precise judgement even on small differences between simulation and verification films becomes possible. Using BEVV, it is possible to compare computer aided simulation in rotating beams or conformation therapy with the really applied treatment. The basic principle of BEVV is also suitable for dynamic multileaf collimation.

CONCLUSIONS

DLR is a multipotent and suitable method for many aspects of imaging treatment verification.