Quantitative MRI for structural and functional characterization of head and neck cancer for outcome prediction and biological individualization of MR-guided radiotherapy

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This research project focusses on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for structural and functional tumour characterisation using a hybrid 1.5 T MR-Linac system in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Imaging protocols and sequences will be developed to allow the assessment of MR-based quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIB) such as Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC), T1-, T2- and T2*-mapping in HNC patients during fractionated radiotherapy (RT) at the MR-Linac. A test-retest patient study will be initiated to assess robustness, reproducibility and variability of all QIB as well as tumour volume before and during the course of RT. Furthermore, comparability of quantitative MRI measurements with state-of-the-art diagnostic MR scanners will be investigated. In the context of a subsequent clinical study, the ultimate goal of this project is to determine the QIB’s potential prognostic value with respect to RT outcome in order to be integrated to create a novel tumour control probability (TCP) model which links MR-based QIB with outcome as the basis for future external validation and subsequent interventions such as focal dose escalation (bio-boost, dose painting). Finally, methodological results on quantitative MRI techniques as well as knowledge gained in this project on MR-based response assessment and TCP modelling will be transferred to other projects of this joint application including different cancer types and clinical applications in the context of MR-guided RT.