An evaluation of MR based deep learning auto-contouring for planning head and neck radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Auto contouring models help consistently define volumes and reduce clinical workload. This study aimed to evaluate the cross acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance (MR) deep learning auto contouring model for organ at risk (OAR) delineation in head and neck radiotherapy.

Methods: Two auto contouring models were evaluated using deep learning contouring expert (DLCExpert) for OAR delineation: a CT model (model_CT) and an MR model (model_MRI). Models were trained to generate auto contours for the bilateral parotid glands and submandibular glands. Auto-contours for model_MRI were trained on diagnostic images and tested on 10 diagnostic, 10 MR radiotherapy planning (RTP), eight MR-Linac (MRL) scans and, by model_CT, on 10 CT planning scans. Goodness of fit scores, dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and distance to agreement (DTA) were calculated for comparison.

Results: Model_MRI contours improved the mean DSC and DTA compared with manual contours for the bilateral parotid glands and submandibular glands on the diagnostic and RTP MRs compared with the MRL sequence. There were statistically significant differences seen for model_MRI compared to model_CT for the left parotid (mean DTA 2.3 v 2.8 mm), right parotid (mean DTA 1.9 v 2.7 mm), left submandibular gland (mean DTA 2.2 v 2.4 mm) and right submandibular gland (mean DTA 1.6 v 3.2 mm).

Conclusion: A deep learning MR auto-contouring model shows promise for OAR auto-contouring with statistically improved performance vs a CT based model. Performance is affected by the method of MR acquisition and further work is needed to improve its use with MRL images.

Keywords: Auto contouring; Head and Neck; MR Linac; MR guided radiotherapy; Machine Learning.