A Digital Twin Framework for Adaptive Treatment Planning in Radiotherapy

Abstract

The development of a digital twin (DT) framework for fast online adaptive proton therapy planning in prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL) boost represents a significant advancement in personalized radiotherapy. This framework integrates deep learning-based multi-atlas deformable image registration, daily patient anatomy updates via cone-beam CT (CBCT), and knowledge-based plan quality evaluation using the ProKnow scoring system to achieve clinical-equivalent plan quality with substantially reduced reoptimization times compared to traditional clinical workflows. Drawing on a database of 43 prior prostate SBRT cases, the DT framework predicts interfractional anatomical variations for new patients and pre-generates multiple probabilistic treatment plans. Upon acquiring daily CBCT, it enables rapid plan reoptimization, achieving an average reoptimization time of 5.5 [2.8, 8.2] minutes, compared to 19.8 [7.9, 31.7] minutes for clinical plans. The DT-based plans yielded a plan quality score of 157.2 [151.6, 162.8], surpassing or matching clinical plans, with superior dose coverage for the DIL (V100: 99.5%) and clinical target volume (CTV V100: 99.8%). Additionally, the framework minimized doses to organs at risk (OARs), achieving bladder V20.8Gy of 11.4 [7.2, 15.6] cc, rectum V23Gy of 0.7 [0.3, 1.1] cc, and urethra D10 of 90.9% [88.6%, 93.2%], aligning with clinical standards. By addressing interfractional variations efficiently, the DT framework enhances treatment precision, reduces OAR toxicity, and supports real-time adaptive radiotherapy. This transformative approach not only streamlines the planning process but also improves clinical outcomes, offering a scalable solution for prostate SBRT with DIL boost and paving the way for broader applications in adaptive proton therapy.