Photon-Counting CT in Radiotherapy: From Physics to Advanced Photon and Proton Treatments
Description
Advancements in spectral CT imaging, particularly photon-counting CT (PCCT), have markedly enhanced diagnostic capabilities by exploiting the spectral properties of X-ray interactions. This technology delivers improved soft tissue contrast, superior material differentiation, and robust quantitative imaging. While the modality is widely utilized in diagnostic radiology, their application in radiotherapy remains limited due to restricted access and the need for specialized expertise within radiation oncology. Therefore, this session is proposed for a dedicated program focusing on the integration of PCCT into clinical radiotherapy. The goals are to: (1) foster collaboration among diagnostic and therapy physicists, radiologists, and radiation oncologists; (2) share knowledge and insights on emerging clinical and preclinical research in photon and proton radiotherapy applications; (3) raise awareness of novel opportunities provided by PCCT for treatment planning and delivery; and (4) drive innovation in integrating PCCT into treatment planning, dose calculation, and adaptive radiotherapy. Creating a multidisciplinary forum will promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research, facilitating the translation of PCCT advances into clinical practice. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to position PCCT as a powerful tool for advancing precision radiotherapy.