Improved cancer treatment with fewer side effects by MRI based radiotherapy planning

Purpose and goal

The objective is to develop algorithms and methods that enable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based radiation treatment planning for cancer therapy. The purpose is to improve the treatment accuracy, thereby reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue, compared to current computed tomography (CT) based treatment planning methods. The goals of the project are well met with a developed technology suitable for radiotherapy in all parts of the body. For prostate therapy, the technology is now clinically tested and regulatory approved for patient therapy.

Expected results and effects

With MRI based radiation treatment planning the treatment accuracy is improved, while also reducing costs and manual labor. In addition, such technology allows close monitoring of how the tumor responds to therapy, which opens up for completely individualized treatment strategies. In Europe alone, more than 500 000 treatments are performed annually where such technology may provide improved results. The technology developed for this by Spectronic Medical is currently being tested by a large number of hospitals world wide and has attracted significant international interest.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was implemented by Spectronic Medical, in collaboration with Lund University, Skåne University Hospital and the national Swedish consortium for Gentle Radiotherapy. In the project, all algorithms and software were developed by Spectronic Medical, using clinical data from the collaborating parties. The developed methods were successfully verified in a comprehensive national multi-center study, and also in a smaller international pilot study. Several of the project´s success factors result from close cooperation between companies, academia and health care.