A Simulation Study of a Radiofrequency Localization System for Tracking Patient Motion in Radiotherapy

Abstract

One of the most widely used tools in cancer treatment is external beam radiotherapy. However, the major risk involved in radiotherapy is excess radiation dose to healthy tissue, exacerbated by patient motion. Here, we present a simulation study of a potential radiofrequency (RF) localization system designed to track intrafraction motion (target motion during the radiation treatment). This system includes skin-wearable RF beacons and an external tracking system. We develop an analytical model for direction of arrival measurement with radio frequencies (GHz range) for use in a localization estimate. We use a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the relationship between a localization estimate and angular resolution of sensors (signal receivers) in a simulated room. The results indicate that the external sensor needs an angular resolution of about 0.03 degrees to achieve millimeter-level localization accuracy in a treatment room. This fundamental study of a novel RF localization system offers the groundwork to design a radiotherapy-compatible patient positioning system for active motion compensation.

Radiotherapy-Compatible Robotic System for Multi-Landmark Positioning in Head and Neck Cancer Treatments

“…However, previous studies 1,5–10 have demonstrated that these rigid shoulder-to-face-covering masks do not fully mitigate this uncertainty with typical setup errors of 3–5 mm between distant landmarks along the spine of the neck. Recent reports 11–15 show that an accurate positioning in head and neck therapy can be achieved by independent positioning of the head from the rest of the body. However, these mechanical systems have not yet been introduced into regular clinical practice.…”