Machine learning in image-based outcome prediction after radiotherapy: A review

The integration of machine learning (ML) with radiotherapy has emerged as a pivotal innovation in outcome prediction, bringing novel insights amid unique challenges. This review comprehensively examines the current scope of ML applications in various treatment contexts, focusing on treatment outcomes such as patient survival, disease recurrence, and treatment-induced toxicity. It emphasizes the ascending trajectory of research efforts and the prominence of survival analysis as a clinical priority. We analyze the use of several common medical imaging modalities in conjunction with clinical data, highlighting the advantages and complexities inherent in this approach. The research reflects a commitment to advancing patient-centered care, advocating for expanded research on abdominal and pancreatic cancers. While data collection, patient privacy, standardization, and interpretability present significant challenges, leveraging ML in radiotherapy holds remarkable promise for elevating precision medicine and improving patient care outcomes.