Spectral CT delivers detailed tumor morphology and physiology
Radiation therapy, delivered via powerful X-ray or proton beams that disrupt the DNA in cancer cells to stop them from multiplying, is a powerful tool in today’s fight against cancer. However, X-ray and proton beams can also destroy healthy tissue while killing tumor tissue. As a result, the safety and success of radiation therapy relies heavily on the ability to visualize and delineate the 3D coordinates of a tumor so the beam can be accurately targeted, killing the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and internal organs.
The Philips Spectral CT 7500 scanner being showcased at ASTRO 2023 offers radiation oncologists a unique CT solution in a single scan. The incremental Spectral CT information can help improve the visibility of a tumor’s boundaries and internal physiology to enhance the accuracy of dose calculation and tumor targeting, helping to reduce the number of scans or modalities needed to plan radiation therapy. Used with an iodinated contrast media, it also allows quantitative tissue perfusion measurements to determine which tumor parts are most active, contributing to the accuracy and confidence of tumor delineation, contouring, and dose profiling when planning radiation therapy. A spectral CT scan can also be used to assess a patient’s response to radiation therapy and, if necessary, adjust their treatment plan. In addition, the CT 7500 enhances accurate visualization of tumors that are subject to movement, such as those in the lungs.
