Characterization of 3D geometric distortion of magnetic resonance imaging scanners commissioned for radiation therapy planning.

Objective: To develop a method for the assessment and characterization of 3D geometric distortion as part of routine quality assurance for MRI scanners commissioned for Radiation Therapy planning.

Materials And Methods: In this study, the in-plane and through-plane geometric distortions on a 1.5T GE MRI-SIM unit are characterized and the 2D and 3D correction algorithms provided by the vendor are evaluated.

Development and validation of a novel large field of view phantom and a software module for the quality assurance of geometric distortion in magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: To develop and validate a large field of view phantom and quality assurance software tool for the assessment and characterization of geometric distortion in MRI scanners commissioned for radiation therapy planning.

Materials And Methods: A purpose built phantom was developed consisting of 357 rods (6mm in diameter) of polymethyl-methacrylat separated by 20mm intervals, providing a three dimensional array of control points at known spatial locations covering a large field of view up to a diameter of 420mm. An in-house software module was developed to allow automatic geometric distortion assessment.

Novel drug product to improve joint motion and function and reduce pain after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: OMS103HP, an investigational drug product containing ketoprofen, amitriptyline, and oxymetazoline, is added to arthroscopic irrigation solution. OMS103HP was evaluated in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to assess the drug's safety and ability to improve postoperative knee function and motion, reduce postoperative pain, and allow earlier return to work.

Methods: This was a prospective, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group, randomized study.

Dosimetric comparison of intensity-modulated, conformal, and four-field pelvic radiotherapy boost plans for gynecologic cancer: a retrospective planning study.

Purpose: To evaluate intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as an alternative to conformal radiotherapy (CRT) or 4-field box boost (4FB) in women with gynecologic malignancies who are unsuitable for brachytherapy for technical or medical reasons.

Methods: Dosimetric and toxicity information was analyzed for 12 patients with cervical (8), endometrial (2) or vaginal (2) cancer previously treated with external beam pelvic radiotherapy and a CRT boost. Optimized IMRT boost treatment plans were then developed for each of the 12 patients and compared to CRT and 4FB plans.

Multimodal contrast agent for combined computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging applications.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a multimodal system to effectively induce and maintain contrast enhancement in both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) for radiation therapy applications.

Materials And Methods: The physicochemical characteristics of a liposome-encapsulated iohexol and gadoteridol formulation were assessed in terms of agent loading efficiencies, size and morphology, in vitro stability, and release kinetics. The imaging properties of the liposome formulation were assessed based on T1 and T2 relaxivity measurements and in vitro CT and MR imaging in a phantom.