Thermal Imaging as a Tool for Radiotherapy Treatment Monitoring

Thermography is a non-ionizing, non-invasive, and low-cost imaging modality. Malignant tumors are characterized by high metabolic and perfusion rates. They express different temperature distribution in comparison to the surrounding healthy tissue. We have investigated thermal images of tumors in response to radiation therapy. We are aiming to develop a real-time feedback system based on thermal image analysis to assess the efficacy of the oncological treatment. This method will enable alteration of treatment regimen and dose. It can do the same for chemotherapy. The method enables individualized treatment schedules for optimal treatment effectiveness. In the last few months we have recorded temperature maps during, in between and after treatment. The images were analyzed off-line by image analysis tools that follow the temperature maps structures of the tumors and changes in the vessel net around it. Results demonstrate that thermal imaging can be a valuable tool for radiotherapy treatment monitoring.