Evaluation of the use of a non-invasive 4D ultrasound Clarity system in real-time tracking of the target volume in prostate radiation therapy.

This thesis evaluates the capability of a four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (4D TPUS) Clarity® system (Elekta AB Stockholm, Sweden) in providing real-time information of the prostate movement during radiation treatment delivery. The acquisition of real-time information can potentially be used to develop motion management strategies to address positional uncertainties of the prostate in order to reduce the incidence of normal tissue toxicities and improve tumour control. The adequacy of the planning margins employed will also be reviewed. This thesis will contribute to the field of radiation oncology that aims to improve the accuracy of treatment delivery.