VAPOR: Visual Analytics for the Exploration of Pelvic Organ Variability in Radiotherapy. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Furmanová, Katarína; Grossmann, Nicolas; Muren, Ludvig P.; Casares-Magaz, Oscar; Moiseenko, Vitali; Einck, John P.; Gröller, M. Eduard; Raidou, Renata G.
• Is Part Of: Computers & graphics. Volume 91(2020)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Medical visualization -- Visual analytics -- Comparative visualization -- Ensemble visualization -- Radiotherapy planning -- Cohort study; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 006.6
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cag.2020.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0097-8493

Abstract

Highlights: An application for cohort exploration of pelvic organ variability in radiotherapy. Global exploration of anatomical variability in an abstracted tabular view. Local exploration of anatomical variability with 2D/3D comparative visualizations. Correlation of anatomical variability with radiation doses and toxicity. Four application scenarios conducted with domain experts to showcase VAPOR. Graphical abstract: Abstract: In radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer, changes in patient anatomy during treatment might lead to inadequate tumor coverage and higher irradiation of healthy tissues in the nearby pelvic organs. Exploring and analyzing anatomical variability throughout the course of RT can support the design of more robust treatment strategies, while identifying patients that are prone to radiation-induced toxicity. We present VAPOR, a novel application for the exploration of pelvic organ variability in a cohort of patients, across the entire treatment process. Our application addresses: (i) the global exploration and analysis of anatomical variability in an abstracted tabular view, (ii) the local exploration and analysis thereof in anatomical 2D/3D views, where comparative and ensemble visualizations are integrated, and (iii) the correlation of anatomical variability with radiation doses and potential toxicity. The workflow is based on available retrospective cohort data, which include segmentations of the bladder, the prostate, and the rectum through the entire treatment period. VAPOR is applied to four usage scenarios, which were conducted with two medical physicists. Our application provides clinical researchers with promising support in demonstrating the significance of treatment adaptation to anatomical changes.