Overview
The aim of this study is to look at whether an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based computer program can automate two components of the radiotherapy treatment pathway to a sufficient quality standard to enable its routine clinical use. The two components include the delineation (outlining) of anatomical areas that are at risk of tumour spread and at risk of radiation damage, and the definition of the position, size and shape of the radiation beams.
The AI-based computer programs have been developed to perform tasks that would normally require direct human involvement by oncologists and medical physicists. Proposed advantages include improved treatment accuracy, as well as a reduction in the time (from weeks to minutes) and human resources needed to deliver radiotherapy, which this study will test.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed head and neck cancers of the oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx and nasopharynx (Stage I-III) that have given consent for radical radiotherapy.
- Consecutive histologically confirmed primary cervical cancer patients (Stage IB-IIIB including pelvic node positive) that have given consent for radical radiotherapy.
- Consecutive histologically confirmed primary prostate cancer patients (T1-4N0M0) that have given consent for radical radiotherapy.
- Mental capacity to understand and consent to participate in the study.
- Patients aged ≥18years.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients requiring radiotherapy after curative surgery or surgery that is intended to remove as much of the tumour as possible.
- Patients receiving palliative radiotherapy
- Patients aged < 18years.