Image-guided radiotherapy
The entire IGRT workflow, from one company.
Radiotherapy proceeds as planning CT acquisition → treatment planning → CBCT → patient positioning → beam delivery (tumor tracking). PIL develops and productizes in-house the image-guidance (IGRT) software used at every stage, so you can introduce only the functions you need, step by step, or the whole workflow as one package.
Our technologies have a proven track record of use in clinical practice.
STEP 01
Planning CT acquisition
CT / 4DCT images are acquired as the basis for treatment planning, capturing the position and motion of the tumor and organs.
PIL products involved
We are developing CT/CBCT reconstruction algorithms and artifact reduction methods for raw databases based on our experience in the joint development of area detector CT with medical equipment manufacturers and cone beam CT (CBCT) with treatment equipment manufacturers. We are also working on the implementation of high-speed computation using GPUs.
Recently, 4DCT is increasingly used in the radiotherapy field, but it is sometimes difficult to obtain good quality 4DCT images due to irregular breathing patterns. To solve this problem, we have developed a technology to generate a 4DCT image from a 3DCT image.
4DCT artifact reduction
In 4DCT imaging, it is sometimes difficult to acquire 4DCT images with precise geometric shapes due to irregular breathing patterns (4DCT artifact). We have developed a method to improve this artifact by using deep learning.
STEP 02
Treatment planning
The target volume and dose are decided on the planning CT. Images are registered to each other and the irradiation is simulated.
PIL products involved
We are developing nonlinear registration (deformable image registration) using 3D images. The speedup is achieved by using GPU.
Create DRR (digitally reconstructed radiographs) images from CT images at high speed.
DICOM files stored in PACS can be searched and retrieved based on the search key.
STEP 03
CBCT
Cone-beam CT is acquired and reconstructed in the treatment room to check the patient's anatomy of the day in 3D.
PIL products involved
We are developing CT/CBCT reconstruction algorithms and artifact reduction methods for raw databases based on our experience in the joint development of area detector CT with medical equipment manufacturers and cone beam CT (CBCT) with treatment equipment manufacturers. We are also working on the implementation of high-speed computation using GPUs.
STEP 04
Patient positioning
X-ray images and CBCT are matched with the planning CT to align the patient to millimeter accuracy at every fraction.
PIL products involved
We are developing 2D-3D rigid image registration, which is used in radiotherapy to align X-ray images with treatment planning CT images. This technology is used in radiotherapy for patient positioning to align X-ray images with CT images for treatment planning, and is accelerated by using GPUs.
Create DRR (digitally reconstructed radiographs) images from CT images at high speed.
Image synthesis
We are developing a processing method to change image style to different medical imaging modalities. For example, an MRI image can be converted to a CT image, a DRR image to an X-ray image, and an X-ray image to a DRR image.
STEP 05
Beam delivery (tumor tracking)
The tumor moving with respiration is tracked in X-ray fluoroscopy and the beam is delivered only when it is in the planned position. Markerless and marker-based tracking are both supported.
PIL products involved
In radiotherapy of the torso region, respiratory synchronous irradiation is used, in which the inside of the body is monitored while X-ray fluoroscopic images are taken during treatment, and the treatment beam is irradiated when the tumor reaches the position determined in the treatment plan. There is a method to insert a metal marker near the tumor, but we have developed a technology to track the tumor position in the X-ray fluoroscopic image in real time without the need to insert a metal marker.
Bone suppression filter on X-ray images
The removal of bone structures in X-ray images has been performed by the dual energy subtraction method, which uses X-rays of different energy (tube voltage), and by image processing. However, it is difficult to achieve real-time processing in these methods. Therefore, we developed a method to achieve bone removal by placing a filter on the X-ray detector and performing X-ray imaging.
We develop control software that acquires images at any timing with various X-ray imaging devices (an X-ray tube and a flat panel detector, FPD). It precisely synchronizes the tube exposure with the FPD acquisition and can control devices regardless of manufacturer or configuration. It is useful for controlling the X-ray imaging devices used in a wide range of treatment protocols such as CBCT, tumor tracking, and patient positioning.
AI MODULES
AI modules supporting positioning and delivery
AI image synthesis converts DRRs to X-ray image quality, raising matching accuracy for positioning and tracking. 4DCT generation AI produces CT images for each respiratory phase, streamlining 4D-DRRs for positioning and templates for tracking. Available individually or in combination.
PACKAGE
Control, regulatory and clinical rollout as one package
From X-ray synchronization control software to product documentation, submission support and clinical operation support after installation. Staged introduction is also possible: start with positioning and CBCT, and add tumor tracking later.
Contact
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together.
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