Practical Considerations in Cone Beam and Ultrasound IGRT Systems in Prostate Localization: A Review of the Literature.

Background: The use of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is gaining in popularity for radiotherapy clinicians as a means of adaptive tumour targeting. With the increased use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), IGRT has been looked at as an important partnering tool in resolving the problem of prostate displacement prior to radiotherapy administration. Online correction tools such as kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT) and ultrasound (US) image-guided radiotherapy have been the focus of many studies that examine the feasibility, validity, and usefulness of these technologies.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of kV-CBCT and US-IGRT modalities and the practical considerations for radiation therapists and radiotherapy departments when using kilovoltage-CBCT and US-IGRT.

Conclusions: The findings of this review indicate that both modalities are adequate for achieving image guidance in radiotherapy delivery; however, both modalities would require that the user have specific knowledge when applying these IGRT techniques and that the implementation of these technologies warrant further study to see the organizational impact to the radiotherapy department.