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A Novel Volumetric Three-Dimensional Display Technique for Radiation Therapy Planning--Genex Technologies, Inc., 10605 Concord Street, Suite 500, Kensington, MD 20895-2504; 301-962-6565
Dr. Jason Geng, Principal Investigator
Dr. Jason Geng, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82588
Amount: $750,000
Good radiation treatment planning (RTP) for cancer therapy requires that the target volume be treated with a high and uniform dose of radiation, irradiating normal tissue as little as possible. Judging the merits of a given treatment plan, as well as selecting the best of several alternative plans, from a conventional two-dimensional display screen can be difficult for a radiation oncologist. The problem becomes even more difficult if the entire spatial distribution of the radiation dosage is to be considered, due to the enormous amount of three-dimensional (3-D) data that must be evaluated. Lack of a suitable method to simultaneously display 3-D anatomic structures, beam configuration, and dose distribution has slowed the incorporation of 3-D considerations into routine radiation treatment planning. This project addresses the drawbacks of conventional displays (CT or MRI) by employing a true volumetric, 3-D display technology. Such a true, 3-D display system will provide both the physiological and psychological depth cues that enable an oncologist to both perceive and manipulate beam configuration and parameters with respect to patient-specific anatomy. In Phase I, a working prototype of a multi-color, high-resolution, volumetric, three-dimensional display, capable of displaying over 8.3 million voxels, was produced. In addition, successful 3-D display experiments were performed, establishing the feasibility of applying this unique technology as an augmented visualization tool to help oncologists select the best radiation treatment plan. Phase II will improve the volumetric, 3-D display techniques and integrate a fully functional, radiation therapy planning environment, based on the improved display. Pre-clinical evaluation of the interactive RTP environment techniques will also take place.
Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The 3-D radiation treatment planning technology and tools should be applicable to Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and other medical visualization techniques, such as plastic surgery-result validation and orthodontic parameter measurement. Other applications include military functions (such as battlefield management, air traffic control, submarine navigation, flight trajectory visualization, pilot training, etc.) and consumer products (such as 3D TV, virtual reality, engineering design, scientific computation, law enforcement, education and clothing).