Comparison of Deep Learning-Based Auto-Segmentation Results on Daily Kilovoltage, Megavoltage, and Cone Beam CT Images in Image-Guided Radiotherapy.

Abstract

IntroductionThis study aims to evaluate auto-segmentation results using deep learning-based auto-segmentation models on different online CT imaging modalities in image-guided radiotherapy.MethodsPhantom studies were first performed to benchmark image quality. Daily CT images for sixty patients were retrospectively retrieved from fan-beam kilovoltage CT (kVCT), kV cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT), and megavoltage CT (MVCT) scans. For each imaging modality, half of the patients received CT scans in the pelvic region, while the other half in the thoracic region. Deep learning auto-segmentation models using a convolutional neural network algorithm were used to generate organs-at-risk contours. Quantitative metrics were calculated to compare auto-segmentation results with manual contours.ResultsThe auto-segmentation contours on kVCT images showed statistically significant difference in Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Jaccard similarity coefficient, sensitivity index, inclusiveness index, and the 95^th percentile Hausdorff distance, compared to those on kV-CBCT and MVCT images for most major organs. In the pelvic region, the largest difference in DSC was observed for the bowel volume with an average DSC of 0.84 ± 0.05, 0.35 ± 0.23, and 0.48 ± 0.27 for kVCT, kV-CBCT, and MVCT images, respectively (p-value < 0.05); in the thoracic region, the largest difference in DSC was found for the esophagus with an average DSC of 0.63 ± 0.16, 0.18 ± 0.13, and 0.22 ± 0.08 for kVCT, kV-CBCT, and MVCT images, respectively (p-value < 0.05).ConclusionDeep learning-based auto-segmentation models showed better agreement with manual contouring when using kVCT images compared to kV-CBCT or MVCT images. However, manual correction remains necessary after auto-segmentation with all imaging modalities, particularly for organs with limited contrast from surrounding tissues. These findings underscore the potential and limits in applying deep learning-based auto-segmentation models for adaptive radiotherapy.