Application of a smart 18F-FDG-PET adaptive threshold segmentation algorithm for the biological target volume delineation in head and neck cancer

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 p...

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Published in:The quarterly journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging Vol. 67; no. 3; p. 238
Main Authors: Deantonio, Letizia, Vigna, Luca, Paolini, Marina, Matheoud, Roberta, Sacchetti, Gian M, Masini, Laura, Loi, Gianfranco, Brambilla, Marco, Krengli, Marco
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: 01.09.2023
ISSN:1827-1936, 1827-1936
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Summary: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.BACKGROUNDThe 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.[18F]FDG PET ATS algorithm was studied in treatment plans of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma on a dedicated workstation (iTaRT, Tecnologie Avanzate, Turin, 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, Shrewsbury, UK). We reported figures of merit (FOMs) to convey complementary information: Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, and Inclusiveness Index.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, Turin, 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, Shrewsbury, UK). We reported figures of merit (FOMs) to convey complementary information: Dice Similarity Coefficient, Sensitivity Index, and Inclusiveness Index.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.RESULTSThe 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.ATS algorithm could be a smart and an independent operator tool when implemented for 18F-FDG-PET-based tumor volume delineation. Furthermore, it might be relevant in case of BTV-based dose painting.CONCLUSIONSATS algorithm could be a smart and an independent operator tool when implemented for 18F-FDG-PET-based tumor volume delineation. Furthermore, it might be relevant in case of BTV-based dose painting.
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ISSN:1827-1936
1827-1936
DOI:10.23736/S1824-4785.22.03405-7