MARVIN: Model Anatomy for Radiotherapy and audit In the head and Neck

MARVIN: Model Anatomy for Radiotherapy and audit In the head and Neck

MARVIN is constructed from ABS plastic via CNC machining and is available in .stl and .iges file formats enabling it to be rapidly produced with minimal additional design work.

Why was MARVIN developed?

• Existing geometric phantoms cannot fully validate head and neck radiotherapy treatment plans due to the complex geometrics and anatomical heterogeneities in this region.
• Most anatomical systems focus on sites in the head, and lack coverage of sites throughout the neck region.
• While some anatomical phantoms do allow detectors to be placed in the neck region, they are only compatible with certain types of detector, and can be time consuming to set up.

Innovative features of MARVIN

• Marvin incorporates a removable detector module which maximises the coverage of typical tumor locations as well as covering the spinal cord. Measurements can therefore be made in anatomically relevant locations.
• A pinpoint ionisation chamber module has been designed to allow absolute dose measurements to be made at any location in the module, using a simple and repeatable chamber positioning system.
• Any other type of detector could easily be integrated into the phantom through the use of a suitable module.
• Mandible and sinus blocks can be interchanged without disturbing the detector position, allowing the impact of these heterogeneities to be tested against the plan.

Software

• Accompanying software has been developed to enable detector locations to be optimised thus ensuring steep dose gradients are avoided.
• A full 3D gamma analysis can be performed to compare measurable data against the plan, providing separate statistics for the PTV and spinal cord.
• The software is currently compatible with Pinnacle’s file format and when completed will be compatible with a range of planning systems via DIACOM.

Intellectual Property

• Aspects of the Marvin phantom are protected by aUSpatent application with additional potential for registered design protection.

Commercial Opportunity

We are seeking to licence the design of MARVIN and the associated software to a company with:

• Expertise in radiotherapy quality assurance, dosimetry and associated software.
• A strong international presence with established sales channels and distribution networks.
• The ability and enthusiasm to establish MARVN as the gold standard phantom for head and neck radiotherapy.

For further information about MARVIN, please contact:

Dr James Corden, Business Development Manager, TRUSTECH. James.corden@cmft.nhs.uk or 0161 276 5782.