UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology Fall and Winter 2022 - Flipbook - Page 31
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
Validation and future implementation
We’re currently completing validation of our sim-free approach. We’re able to simulate
the entire process using image and contour data from previously treated patients at Santa
Clarita on our Ethos Emulator. Figure 3 shows the results of an end-to-end test on one
patient. Using the sim-free process we’re able to closely match the dosimetry achieved
with conventional CT simulation and planning.
Figure 3 Adapted plan calculated using diagnostic CT and CBCT imaging (left) and calculated on the planning CT from
the patient’s actual treatment (right).
As we continue to evaluate the dosimetric differences, we’re also designing the clinical
workflow to be as efficient as possible. We look forward to offering sim-free treatments
for select palliative cases at Santa Clarita in the near future. ☐
Contributed by:
Michael Lauria, PhD
Medical Physics Resident PGY-1
Dr. Lauria earned his BS degree in nuclear engineering at Purdue University while
researching bioelectrics. He joined the Physics and Biology in Medicine Graduate
Program at UCLA to study medical physics. His PhD work under Dr. Low focused
on fast-helical, free-breathing CT and its potential applications within radiotherapy
and pulmonology, including motion compensation in cone-beam CT reconstruction
ventilation mapping and computational fluid dynamics modeling.
Dylan O'Connell, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Dr. O'Connell received his bachelor's degree in Physics from Tufts University in 2013,
and his Ph.D in Biomedical Physics from UCLA in 2018. Subsequently, he completed
the medical physics residency program at UCLA before joining the faculty in 2020.
His research interests include improving 4DCT reconstruction using a respiratory
motion model, motion compensated cone-beam CT reconstruction, online adaptive
therapy, and in-house clinical software safety.
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