Real-time, on-line and offline treatment dose tracking and feedback process for volumetric image guided adaptive radiotherapy

Abstract

A method of treating an object with radiation that includes generating volumetric image data of an area of interest of an object and emitting a therapeutic radiation beam towards the area of interest of the object in accordance with a reference plan. The method further includes evaluating the volumetric image data and at least one parameter of the therapeutic radiation beam to provide a real-time, on-line or off-line evaluation and on-line or off-line modification of the reference plan.

We claim: 
     
         1 - 68 . (canceled) 
     
     
         69 . A method of forming a portal image, the method comprising: forming a two-dimensional image of an object of interest;
 superimposing an image of a collimator element on said two-dimensional image, wherein said image represents the position of said collimator element when a radiation therapy beam is to be directed towards said object of interest.   
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein said two-dimensional image is formed from a volumetric image. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 69 , further comprising determining said position of said collimator element when said radiation therapy beam is to be directed towards said object of interest. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein said object of interest substantially changes position and shape during a therapy session and said two-dimensional image is a fluoroscopic image. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein said object of interest does not substantially change its position and shape during a therapy session and. said two-dimensional image is a radiographic image.