Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the reliability of a 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET adaptive threshold segmentation (ATS) algorithm, previously validated in a preclinical setting on several scanners, for the biological target volume (BTV) delineation of head and neck radiotherapy planning. Methods: [18F]FDG PET ATS algorithm was studied in treatment plans of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma on a dedicated workstation (iTaRT, Tecnologie Avanzate, Italy). BTVs segmented by the present ATS algorithm (BTVATS) were compared with those manually segmented for the original radiotherapy treatment planning (BTVVIS). We performed a qualitative and quantitative volumetric analysis with a comparison tool within the ImSimQA TM software package (Oncology Systems Limited, UK -OSL, www.imismqa.com-). We reported figures of merit (FOMs) to convey complementary information: Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, and Inclusiveness Index. Results: The study was conducted on 32 treatment plans. Median BTVATS was 11 cm3 while median BTVVIS was 14 cm3. The median Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, Inclusiveness Index were 0.72, 63%, 88%, respectively. Interestingly, the median volume and the median distance of the voxels that are over contoured by ATS were respectively 1 cm3 and 1 mm. Conclusions: ATS algorithm could be a smart and an independent operator tool when implemented for [18F] FDG-PET-based tumour volume delineation. Furthermore, it might be relevant in case of BTV-based dose painting.
Application of a smart [18F] FDG-PET adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm for the biological target volume delineation in head and neck cancer
Deantonio, Letizia;Vigna, Luca;Paolini, Marina;Matheoud, Roberta;Sacchetti, Gian Mauro;Masini, Laura;Loi, Gianfranco;Brambilla, Marco;Krengli, Marco
2022-01-01
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the reliability of a 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET adaptive threshold segmentation (ATS) algorithm, previously validated in a preclinical setting on several scanners, for the biological target volume (BTV) delineation of head and neck radiotherapy planning. Methods: [18F]FDG PET ATS algorithm was studied in treatment plans of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma on a dedicated workstation (iTaRT, Tecnologie Avanzate, Italy). BTVs segmented by the present ATS algorithm (BTVATS) were compared with those manually segmented for the original radiotherapy treatment planning (BTVVIS). We performed a qualitative and quantitative volumetric analysis with a comparison tool within the ImSimQA TM software package (Oncology Systems Limited, UK -OSL, www.imismqa.com-). We reported figures of merit (FOMs) to convey complementary information: Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, and Inclusiveness Index. Results: The study was conducted on 32 treatment plans. Median BTVATS was 11 cm3 while median BTVVIS was 14 cm3. The median Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, Inclusiveness Index were 0.72, 63%, 88%, respectively. Interestingly, the median volume and the median distance of the voxels that are over contoured by ATS were respectively 1 cm3 and 1 mm. Conclusions: ATS algorithm could be a smart and an independent operator tool when implemented for [18F] FDG-PET-based tumour volume delineation. Furthermore, it might be relevant in case of BTV-based dose painting.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
