In medical terms, OBI stands for on-board imaging, which is a technology used primarily in radiation therapy. It's a method that uses imaging to ensure the patient's positioning is accurate before each treatment session.
How OBI Works
Here's a breakdown of how OBI functions:
- Purpose: The core aim of OBI is to confirm that the patient's setup precisely matches their planned treatment, guaranteeing that the radiation is delivered to the intended area (e.g., the tumor) and avoiding healthy tissue.
- Timing: OBI is typically performed immediately before each radiation therapy session. This ensures that any minor changes in patient positioning can be addressed.
- Imaging Technology: A built-in CT scanner is often used to take images of the treatment area. This allows radiation therapists to visualize the tumor and surrounding anatomy.
- Image Review: The images acquired via OBI are reviewed by the radiation therapist before beginning treatment. Adjustments to patient positioning are made based on these images.
Benefits of On-Board Imaging
Here are some key advantages of using OBI:
- Increased Treatment Accuracy: OBI ensures that radiation is delivered to the correct location, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Reduced Side Effects: By targeting the tumor more precisely, OBI helps minimize the risk of damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Improved Patient Outcomes: More accurate treatment leads to better results and improved patient outcomes.
- Personalized Treatment: Allows for adjustments to be made in real-time, based on the patient's specific setup on that day.
- Confidence in Treatment Delivery: Provides reassurance to both the treatment team and the patient that the therapy is being delivered correctly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What it is | A technique that uses imaging to confirm patient position during radiation therapy. |
| When it's used | Immediately before each radiation treatment session. |
| How it works | A CT scanner built into the therapy machine captures images to verify patient position. |
| Benefit | Ensures accurate and precise delivery of radiation to the targeted tumor area. |
In summary, on-board imaging (OBI) plays a critical role in modern radiation therapy by enhancing accuracy and minimizing potential side effects by allowing therapists to verify the patient's position. This leads to more effective and targeted treatment for cancer patients.
