When we found that Actuality Systems of Bedford, Mass. has announced plans to display its PerspectaRad 3D radiation oncology planning system at ASTRO 2006, in Philadelphia (Nov. 5-8), we became curious. Any 3D technology for medicine keeps us ticking.
So here’s what we learned about the product that some call a “3D crystal ball” of imaging studies. The following is from the press release by Rush University Medical Center, “the only test site in the world exploring the use of the Perspecta® Spatial 3”:
This unique system, developed by Actuality Systems, Inc., consists of a 20-inch dome that plugs easily into a PC to display full-color and full-motion MRI, x-ray, CT, and nuclear medicine images in true 3D space.
“We believe Perspecta could have a significant impact on a physician’s ability to review a treatment plan for radiotherapy,” said Dr. James Chu, professor and director of medical physics for the department of radiation oncology. “Compared to a standard two dimensional display, the true 3D image enables physicians to work more precisely and efficiently.”
With the Perspecta, the radiation dose distribution can be superimposed over the 3D patient image. The images can be viewed and manipulated from any vantage point around the 360-degree dome, by any number of users.
While demonstrating the new technology, Dr. Chu pointed to an example of a tumor highlighted in green and the radiation dose highlighted in orange. When looking at the image from the front it appeared the radiation was fully covering the tumor, but as the viewer walks around the dome, it is apparent the back of the tumor is sticking out beyond the orange field.
“This shows us immediately that we aren’t giving adequate coverage and helps us focus in very quickly on the region where we must do more planning,” said Chu. “In addition, we can see if the dose is hitting normal tissue or critical structures.”
Currently, the technology is being studied to determine if it is useful for evaluation of the radiation dose distribution, but the tools are not yet available to use the equipment for treatment planning.
The Perspecta Spatial 3D System has not received FDA approval…
While demonstrating the new technology, Dr. Chu pointed to an example of a tumor highlighted in green and the radiation dose highlighted in orange. When looking at the image from the front it appeared the radiation was fully covering the tumor, but as the viewer walks around the dome, it is apparent the back of the tumor is sticking out beyond the orange field.If you want to learn more on how the system works, check out Iddo Genuth’s detailed article over at The Future of Things…
More from MIT’s Tech Review…
And the company itself…
Rush University Medical Center press release, mentioned above…