Multi-camera real-time breathing guidance system for radiotherapy

Abstract

High-energy radiation beam is used in radiotherapy to kill the pre-located cancerous cells. No matter how accurately the body is positioned, or which of the chest or abdominal breathing method is used, the cancerous site often moves with the breath. Such motion artifact is an unpredictable factor during the radiotherapy, and introduces risks in damaging surrounding normal tissue. Our previous study focused on recording the motion from abdominal breathing only. In this work we find appropriate locations to place landmarks, and integrate multiple cameras to record and trace both breathing patterns. When watching the real-time video of motion artifact, patients can control their breath depth to fit the record taken when they receive imaging check to locate cancerous area. The system can lower the risk and improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.