ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors argue that development in the field of multispectral Computed Tomography (CT), or dual-energy CT, which can provide improved soft-tissue contrast without additional radiation exposure, along with other recent exciting developments in CT. With dual-energy CT, it is possible to decompose the inherent contrast in attenuation coefficients as a linear combination of distinctive Compton scattering and photoelectric components. The smaller and portable mobile CT scanners can significantly improve image quality for brachytherapy cases, such as prostate or gyncological implants for which ultrasound or two-dimensional imaging is still widely used. Phase-contrast CT imaging is preclinical yet a very exciting new technology that can provide extremely high resolution and high soft-tissue contrast compared to conventional CT imaging. In external beam radiation therapy, CT imaging has almost eliminated the need for the conventional simulator. The volumetric anatomical information that CT provides enables three-dimensional treatment planning, in which normal tissues can be spared while maximizing the dose to target volumes.
