Automated contouring for breast cancer radiotherapy in the isocentric lateral decubitus position: a neural network-based solution for enhanced precision and efficiency.
Journal:
Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft ... [et al]
Published Date:
Feb 3, 2025
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adjuvant radiotherapy is essential for reducing local recurrence and improving survival in breast cancer patients, but it carries a risk of ischemic cardiac toxicity, which increases with heart exposure. The isocentric lateral decubitus position, where the breast rests flat on a support, reduces heart exposure and leads to delivery of a more uniform dose. This position is particularly beneficial for patients with unique anatomies, such as those with pectus excavatum or larger breast sizes. While artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for autocontouring have shown promise, they have not been tailored to this specific position. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a neural network-based autocontouring algorithm for patients treated in the isocentric lateral decubitus position.