Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has announced implementation of a new, state-of-the-art technology to create synthetic computed tomography (CT) scans from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using artificial intelligence (AI). This FDA-approved software, which will further enhance convenience and comfort for patients, streamlines scheduling and workflow processes for Cancer Center staff and elevates personalized treatment planning.
The software, MR-Box by TheraPanacea, takes a patient’s MRI image and creates an AI-generated CT scan that dosimetrists and radiation therapists can use for treatment delivery and radiation plan calculations. According to TheraPanacea, several clinical studies have demonstrated that dosimetric differences between traditional CTs and synthetic CTs created by MR-Box were minimal and clinically insignificant. In short, this technology can reduce treatment wait times while maintaining quality.
“It is no secret that across the healthcare industry, providers are learning how to harness the power of AI in a way that will improve patient care without sacrificing accuracy and safety,” said Sotirios Stathakis, PhD, Dr. Charles M. Smith chief of physics, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “This application, which will streamline the scanning process, allowing patients to begin treatment faster, does just that. With incredible technology options available, there is no reason patients should have to encounter burdensome delays to receive a treatment plan. At Mary Bird Perkins, we are using every tool at our disposal to improve patient access and care before, during, and after treatment.”
While MRIs are important for precise imaging purposes, they cannot be used to accurately calculate dose for radiotherapy treatment, thus CT scans are crucial. And while critical, a CT scan can add additional burdens on patients. CTs typically require an additional appointment and patients to be in the exact same position as an MRI, meaning there is little room for deviation between the two images for proper treatment planning.
The implementation of this technology will benefit patients as well as Cancer Center team members. For patients, undergoing one fewer scan will provide an additional layer of convenience, especially for those who may face transportation issues getting to appointments. Through the use of MR-Box, patients will also be able to begin treatment quicker due to clinicians’ ability to create personalized treatment plans in a shorter timeframe without sacrificing any accuracy. This streamlined process will also help team members who may face an increased workload, to cut down on future scan backlogs and clear up additional calendar space for other patients who also require various scans.
Currently, MR-Box is FDA-approved to produce scans for multiple cancers affecting the brain, abdomen, and pelvis.