Quantifying Radiation Induced Skin Reaction using Skin Parameters Quantification Sensor Probe and 3-D Stereo Imaging Technique for Minimization of Position Uncertainty

Abstract

Background: Radiation therapy is usually associated with the appearance of severe to mild adverse Skin Reactions. The skin that is exposed to radiation, responds to the high intensity of radiation with progresses through erythema to dry desquamation and moist desquamation. The assessment tools being used till date are through visual assessment (RTOG), some methods to quantify these and increase the validity and reliability are (RISRAS, STAT). Reflectance Spectrometry that measure at fixed points within the treatment area by comparison of digital images in time domain have focused on quantification of the subjective decision making of the patient and physician.
Method: The method deals with a non-invasive probe design as an instrument to quantify adverse skin reaction. Various sensors are determined followed by a probe development to quantify the sensed parameters. A 3-D stereo imaging technique is also being used for position determination. The uncertainty is overcome by finding the position and orientation of body surface with respect to a reference. The method consists of using reference markers (present on the probe) and tracking the position and orientation of reference markers present in a probe that is used to detect the skin reaction.
Results: The experiments have been conducted on healthy human hand and the changes in skin conductance have been observed, the position determination has been as close as 2.5 mm.
Conclusion: The results suggest the Probe and the Tracking System may be used to quantify Skin Reactions and determine the corresponding position with respect to a reference.