The role of diffusion-weighted MRI in biological image-guided radiation therapy: a roadmap
- Author(s)
- Deng, J; Tadimalla, S; Seibert, T; Gach, HM; van Houdt, PJ; Hormuth Ii, DA; Jia, X; Zou, J; Conlin, CC; Karaman, MM; Xu, J; De Vis, J; Wei, L; Dornisch, AM; Weygand, J; Wang, YF; Thorwarth, D; Zhou, XJ; Gore, JC; Jiang, X; Kim, T; Haworth, A; Enderling, H; Chung, C; Yankeelov, TE;
- Journal Title
- Physics in Medicine and Biology
- Publication Type
- Online publication before print
- Abstract
- This roadmap provides a comprehensive framework for integrating diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) into radiation therapy (RT), with an emphasis on its application in magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) and its potential for driving biological image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (BIgART). Developed through collaboration among experts in medical physics, MRI imaging science, and radiation oncology, the paper aims to bridge disciplinary gaps and foster a shared understanding across scientific, technical, and clinical domains. It benchmarks the current state of DWI in RT, identifies critical challenges, and highlights recent advancements in acquisition, reconstruction, biophysical modeling, quality assurance, clinical validation and translation, as well as emerging concepts. By outlining ongoing efforts and forecasting future developments, this roadmap supports the adoption of DWI as a quantitative imaging biomarker for personalized and adaptive radiotherapy in precision oncology.
- Keywords
- Biological image-guided adaptive radiotherapy; Diffusion weighted MRI; Image-guided radiation therapy; Mr-linac; MRI simulator; MRI-guided radiation therapy
- Department(s)
- Physical Sciences
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6560/ae5d80
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6560/ae5d80- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2026-04-28 02:39:56
Last Modified: 2026-04-28 02:40:14