CT-based pseudo-CT generation

CT-based pseudo-CT generation generates pseudo-computed tomography (pCT) images using the MRCAT commercial solution (Philips Healthcare) to enable MR-only radiotherapy dose calculations and direct comparison with CT-based IMRT dose calculations.

Key Features:

• Pseudo-CT Image Generation: Generates pCT images using the MRCAT commercial solution (Philips Healthcare).
• Comparison and Validation: Enables direct comparison of MR-based pCT dose calculations with CT-based IMRT dose calculations for validation.
• Confounding Factor Analysis: Identifies and quantifies confounding factors affecting dosimetric accuracy, including different calibration curves used to convert pCT and CT into electron density and tissue stratification into a fixed number of classes.
• Quantitative Assessment: Evaluates dose difference maps in high-dose regions (such as the clinical target volume, CTV) and body volumes to assess the impact of confounding factors on dosimetric accuracy.

Scientific Applications:

• Radiotherapy Planning: Supports MR-only radiotherapy treatment planning and dose calculation workflows, particularly for prostate cancer patients.
• Clinical Practice Transition: Provides a framework to assess and mitigate inaccuracies when transitioning institutions to MR-only planning.

Methodology:

Generates pCT images using MRCAT (Philips Healthcare), compares them with CT-based IMRT plans, and evaluates dose difference maps to quantify contributions of calibration curve differences and tissue stratification errors to dosimetric accuracy.