Exploring Cutting-Edge 3D Imaging System for Cancer Treatment Planning, Rush University Medical Center

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 29 Apr 2005 - 0:00 PDT


An advanced 3D display system initially developed with automobile design in mind may be beneficial in the treatment of cancer patients. Rush University Medical Center is the only test site in the world exploring the use of the Perspecta® Spatial 3D system to improve evaluation and planning of radiation treatments. This unique system, developed by Actuality Systems, Inc., consists of a 20-inch dome that plugs easily into a PC to display full-color and full-motion MRI, x-ray, CT, and nuclear medicine images in true 3D space.

"We believe Perspecta could have a significant impact on a physician's ability to review a treatment plan for radiotherapy," said Dr. James Chu, professor and director of medical physics for the department of radiation oncology. "Compared to a standard two dimensional display, the true 3D image enables physicians to work more precisely and efficiently."

The effectiveness of radiation therapy depends on the medical team's ability to concentrate high radiation doses to the tumors while minimizing the doses to surrounding critical organs. Currently, oncologists have to look at hundreds of digital imaging slices, one at a time, to determine where the dose is hitting.

With the Perspecta, the radiation dose distribution can be superimposed over the 3D patient image. The images can be viewed and manipulated from any vantage point around the 360-degree dome, by any number of users.

While demonstrating the new technology, Dr. Chu pointed to an example of a tumor highlighted in green and the radiation dose highlighted in orange. When looking at the image from the front it appeared the radiation was fully covering the tumor, but as the viewer walks around the dome, it is apparent the back of the tumor is sticking out beyond the orange field.

"This shows us immediately that we aren't giving adequate coverage and helps us focus in very quickly on the region where we must do more planning," said Chu. "In addition, we can see if the dose is hitting normal tissue or critical structures."

Currently, the technology is being studied to determine if it is useful for evaluation of the radiation dose distribution, but the tools are not yet available to use the equipment for treatment planning.

In the future, Dr. Chu would like to be able view changes in the radiation dose in real time. He believes combining this technology with his research into the use of strong magnetic fields may improve the radiation dose distribution.

"If we can figure out how to deliver radiation energy concentrated only on the tumor and very little radiation on normal tissue, than all tumors potentially can be destroyed," said Dr. Chu. "We are hopeful, a 3D display system can assist us in reaching that goal."

The Perspecta Spatial 3D System has not received FDA approval and is not intended for use in clinical diagnosis, nor may it be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat disease. In the medical fields, Perspecta is offered to qualified research institutions only.

About Actuality Systems

Founded in 1997, Actuality Systems, Inc. develops the world's first Spatial 3D display systems, which have been proven to provide faster and more accurate outcomes in medical, homeland security, and oil and gas exploration applications. Perspecta Spatial 3D has won Product of the Year awards from respected trade and industry publications. With offices near Boston, Acutality Systems is backed by world-class venture firms and individuals.

Rush University Medical Center includes the 729-bed Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital; 79-bed Johnston R. Bowman Health Center; Rush University (Rush Medical College, College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and the Graduate College).

Contact: Kim Waterman
Kimberly_Waterman@rush.edu
312-942-7820
Rush University Medical Center
http://www.rush.edu

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