Automated contouring using Artificial Intelligence for brachytherapy of cervical cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17139
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52040:Radiological sciences-related
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Nishikawa Ryo 神戸大学, 医学研究科, 医学研究員 (80736835)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 放射線治療 / 人工知能 / AI

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the treatment of cervical cancer with brachytherapy, Kobe University Hospital uses high-resolution images obtained from MRI in each treatment session, taking into account the daily changes in the target and normal organs. However, this imposed a significant burden on both patients and medical practitioners. This study aimed to reduce this burden, particularly the labor-intensive task of inputting target volume, by incorporating AI.

However, the research stalled due to the transfer of the research implementer to another facility and the de facto cessation of inter-facility collaboration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the implementer’s busy schedule, there is no prospect of resuming the research, and the novelty of the research theme has been significantly lost during this period, making it difficult to resume the research.

Free Research Field

放射線腫瘍学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

子宮頸癌に対する、より高精度かつ低侵襲な小線源治療の実現に寄与できる見込みであったが、達成できなかった。