Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Based Delineation of Organs at Risk in the Head and Neck Region

Viktor R. Paczona*, Marta E. Capala, Borbála Deák-Karancsi, Emőke Borzási, Zsófia Együd, Zoltán Végváry, Gyöngyi Kelemen, Renáta Kószó, László Ruskó, Lehel Ferenczi, Gerda M. Verduijn, Steven F. Petit, Judit Oláh, Adrienne Cserháti, Florian Wiesinger, Katalin Hideghéty

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)
45 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article is to establish a comprehensive contouring guideline for treatment planning using only magnetic resonance images through an up-to-date set of organs at risk (OARs), recommended organ boundaries, and relevant suggestions for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based delineation of OARs in the head and neck (H&N) region. Methods and Materials: After a detailed review of the literature, MRI data were collected from the H&N region of healthy volunteers. OARs were delineated in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes on T2-weighted sequences. Every contour defined was revised by 4 radiation oncologists and subsequently by 2 independent senior experts (H&N radiation oncologist and radiologist). After revision, the final structures were presented to the consortium partners. Results: A definitive consensus was reached after multi-institutional review. On that basis, we provided a detailed anatomic and functional description and specific MRI characteristics of the OARs. Conclusions: In the era of precision radiation therapy, the need for well-built, straightforward contouring guidelines is on the rise. Precise, uniform, delineation-based, automated OAR segmentation on MRI may lead to increased accuracy in terms of organ boundaries and analysis of dose-dependent sequelae for an adequate definition of normal tissue complication probability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101042
JournalAdvances in Radiation Oncology
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

Sources of support: This research is part of the Deep MR-only Radiation Therapy activity (project numbers 19037, 20648, and 210995) that has received funding from EIT Health. EIT Health is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the European Union that receives support from the Horizon 2020 Research and innovation program.

Publisher Copyright: © 2022

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