MRCAT Prostate + Auto-Contouring

Because MRCAT Prostate requires input from MR images only, it reduces the organization and coordination of scans, eliminates the effort involved in MR-CT registration, and saves the patient from undergoing multiple procedures. Moreover, Auto-Contouring automates standard, labor-intensive and repetitive tasks, while at the same time reducing variability and errors caused by manual steps. This improves consistency and reproducibility - for more confidence in the planning process.

A dedicated, standardized imaging protocol includes a T1W mDIXON XD and a T2W TSE scan as source data for the generation of MRCAT (MR for Calculating ATtenuation) density maps and MR-based Auto-Contouring. Compressed SENSE acceleration keeps the total scan time short, which promotes patient comfort by minimizing time in the scanner and helps to boost productivity.

MRCAT Prostate automatically generates attenuation maps using the high-resolution mDIXON scan as source. Smart, validated algorithms enable automatic tissue segmentation and assignment of Hounsfield Units to deliver MRCAT images with CT-like density information for dose calculations - directly on the MR console.

The MRCAT Prostate scanning protocol and generation algorithms have been designed with the strict accuracy requirements of RT in mind. MRCAT Prostate images have high geometric accuracy* and validation studies have shown that MRCAT-based dose plans are robust and equivalent** to CT-based plans promoting confidence in dose planning.

MR-based Auto-Contouring automatically creates contours of prostate and OARs, reducing repetitive tasks and time spent, compared to manual methods. It uses dedicated MR imaging data based on the 3D T2W TSE and T1W mDIXON XD sequences and model-based adaptive algorithms. Auto-Contouring delineation of prostate and OARs has been found to be accurate (average distance < 1.5mm)*** in at least 70% of contours evaluated****. This significantly reduces the need for manual contouring or manual adaptations, while increasing consistency.

The MRCAT images generated on the MR console conform to the DICOM standard (modality CT) and hence can be exported to treatment planning systems (TPS) as the primary image dataset. Together with the generated contours (RTSTRUCT) and the ability to generate MRCAT-based digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs), you can replace your traditional CT-based workflow with an MRI-only radiotherapy workflow from imaging and planning to position verification.

To successfully bring MR-only radiotherapy into your clinical routine, we recognize that you must look beyond the imaging itself and address important steps such as patient marking, position verification, and quality assurance. We are prepared to support you throughout this process. To this end, we offer dedicated workflow descriptions, best practice sharing and tailored training support, designed to provide assistance as you adopt this new treatment paradigm.