Novel Imaging Techniques in Radiotherapy

Dear Colleagues,

Radiotherapy (RT) remains one of the most effective cancer treatment modalities. Its success depends on precise tumor localization, treatment planning, and assessment. Contemporary medical imaging provides complementary information to support radiation therapy (RT). For example, CT and MRI offer precise anatomical and tumor localization for image-guided RT. In contrast, nuclear medicine imaging modalities such as PET and SPECT are particularly valuable for metabolic imaging, enabling highly sensitive and specific tumor detection. These techniques provide functional information reflecting tumor metabolism, which is critical for monitoring treatment response. Cherenkov imaging, an emerging technique, has shown promise for real-time in vivo dosimetry monitoring. Recent innovations in AI-assisted imaging technologies have further enhanced RT by improving target accuracy, enabling adaptive image-guided approaches. Collectively, these advanced imaging techniques increase RT efficacy by minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and reducing treatment-related toxicity.

Many radiobiological mechanisms critical to RT progress remain unclear. To address this, researchers in radiobiology have developed various tumor models for RT research. To accurately deliver radiation to tumors, several research groups have developed preclinical small-animal irradiators that mimic clinical RT. CT, MRI, and PET have been adapted to guide irradiation, while emerging techniques, such as optical, photoacoustic, and ionizing-radiation acoustic imaging, are revolutionizing the field. These cutting-edge modalities offer high-resolution, functional, and molecular imaging capabilities, allowing tumor visualization for irradiation guidance and radiation response assessment, ultimately enhancing reproducibility of radiobiological discoveries.

This Special Issue focuses on innovative imaging approaches—clinical and preclinical—to improve RT precision and outcomes. We invite researchers to contribute original research and technical advancements in this field.

Dr. Zijian Deng
Dr. Junwei Shi
Guest Editors

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• radiotherapy
• imaging
• tumor localization
• treatment assessment
• radiation toxicity