MRCAT Head & Neck

by Philips Oy  · Based in Finland → — MR-only radiotherapy planning for head and neck soft tissue tumors, powered by AI.
Oncology Otolaryngology (ENT) Radiology
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Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

Philips MRCAT Head & Neck is an AI-enabled radiotherapy application designed to revolutionize treatment planning for patients with soft tissue tumors in the head and neck region. It allows for MR-only radiotherapy planning, eliminating the need for a separate CT scan.

The tool utilizes Artificial Intelligence to automatically generate CT-like density information (synthetic CT images) from a single, high-resolution MR scan. This provides excellent soft-tissue contrast for accurate target and Organ At Risk (OAR) delineation, combined with the density information required for precise dose calculations.

MRCAT Head & Neck streamlines the radiotherapy workflow by removing the arduous and error-prone CT-MRI registration process, enhancing efficiency and reducing uncertainties. The high-resolution 3D MRCAT source scan is accelerated by Compressed SENSE, completing in less than 3 minutes, which improves patient comfort, especially for those immobilized by a thermoplastic mask.

The generated MRCAT images conform to the DICOM CT standard, allowing for automatic export to treatment planning systems for use as the primary image dataset for dose calculations and accurate patient positioning using DRR or CBCT-based methods.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Use Cases

  • Radiotherapy planning for soft tissue tumors in the head and neck
  • MR-only simulation for radiation therapy
  • Dose calculation and patient positioning in radiotherapy
  • Treatment monitoring and adaptive strategies in oncology
  • Streamlining radiotherapy workflow by eliminating CT-MRI registration
  • Planning for other soft tissue tumors (brain, pelvis, prostate) as part of the broader MRCAT suite

What Physicians Need to Know

Key Capabilities
Enables MR-only radiotherapy planning for soft tissue tumors in the Head & Neck, generating CT-like density information (attenuation maps/synthetic CT) from a single, high-resolution MR scan using AI. It provides excellent soft-tissue contrast for target and OAR delineation, supports CT-equivalent dose calculations, and facilitates MR-based patient positioning (DRR or CBCT-based). The process utilizes a standardized 3D T1W mDIXON scan with fast acquisition times, typically under 3 minutes.
Clinical Utility
Streamlines the radiotherapy planning workflow by eliminating the need for a separate CT scan and the associated error-prone CT-MRI registration, reducing uncertainties and complexity. It enhances patient comfort due to shorter scan times and fewer imaging appointments. The tool allows for new opportunities in treatment monitoring and adaptive strategies by avoiding additional X-ray radiation dose, while maintaining accurate dose planning and patient positioning comparable to CT-based methods.
Integration Options
MRCAT images conform to the DICOM CT standard, allowing automatic export to various treatment planning systems. It functions as a software plug-in for Philips Ingenia MR-RT 1.5T and 3.0T systems (including Ingenia Ambition, Elition, and Evolution MR-RT platforms). Philips has also partnered with MacroMedics for compatible patient positioning systems, such as the Prominent mask system, and offers integration with Philips Ambient Experience In-bore Connect for enhanced patient comfort.
Compliance Status
Received FDA 510(k) clearance in October 2022 and is commercially available in the U.S.
Pricing Model
The specific pricing for MRCAT Head & Neck is not publicly disclosed. It is a software option for the Philips Ingenia MR-Radiation Therapy simulation platform. Philips offers an 'MR Subscription' model for continuous access to MRI software, which might be applicable, providing predictable costs and access to updates.
User Experience
Designed for ease of use with a dedicated ExamCard for consistent image acquisition. The AI-driven computation of attenuation maps is fast and displayed directly on the MR console for immediate review. Accelerated scan times (via Compressed SENSE) and the elimination of CT-MRI registration contribute to a smoother workflow and improved patient comfort, especially for patients immobilized with masks.
Support Quality
Philips provides a Customer Services Portal for professional healthcare customers to open, track, and manage equipment service tickets. A comprehensive Support hub offers resources and contact information. Clinical support is also included as part of Philips' MR Subscription model.
Implementation Complexity
Implemented as a software plug-in on compatible Philips Ingenia MR-RT systems. It requires setting up a dedicated ExamCard and may involve modeling immobilization devices within the treatment planning system. Validation studies and commissioning are part of the implementation process, with Philips offering resources and insights from experienced sites to facilitate adoption.
Evidence Base
Validation studies demonstrate that MRCAT-based dose plans are robust and as accurate as CT-based plans, with mean dose differences typically less than 1% for 95% of patient cases. MRCAT image acquisition shows geometric accuracy (< u00b1 1 mm in < 20 cm DSV), and patient positioning is accurate within 2 mm for bony anatomy compared to CT-based methods for 95% of cases. Clinical studies and presentations at conferences support its efficacy for MR-only radiotherapy planning.
Physician Tip

Leverage MRCAT Head & Neck to streamline your radiotherapy planning workflow by eliminating the need for a separate CT scan, thereby reducing patient burden and potential registration errors. The superior soft-tissue contrast of MRI, combined with AI-generated CT-like density information, can enhance target and OAR delineation accuracy. Utilize the fast scan times to improve patient comfort, especially for those requiring immobilization. Ensure your team is trained on the standardized ExamCard and integrate the DICOM CT-compliant images seamlessly into your existing treatment planning systems for efficient dose calculations and patient positioning. Consider the benefits for adaptive radiotherapy strategies due to the absence of additional radiation dose from imaging. Explore compatibility with patient positioning devices like MacroMedics masks for optimal setup.

MRCAT Head & Neck is designed to integrate with Philips Ingenia MR-RT systems as a software plug-in. Its DICOM CT standard output facilitates seamless export to various treatment planning systems. Compatibility with patient immobilization solutions from partners like MacroMedics is a key aspect of its integrated workflow. Further integration with Philips' Ambient Experience In-bore Connect can enhance the overall patient experience during MR-only radiotherapy planning.

Details

Category Oncology AI, Radiology & Imaging AI
Pricing Contact for pricing
DeploymentIntegrated with Philips MR systems, implying on-premise integration within hospital imaging and oncology departments.
Compliance
BAA AvailableUnknown AI-estimated
HIPAA CompliantUnknown AI-estimated
FDA Status 1 AI-estimated

MRCAT Head & Neck received FDA 510(k) clearance (K214081) on April 5, 2022. It is indicated for radiotherapy treatment planning for patients with soft tissue tumors in the Head and Neck region, providing tissue property information for radiation attenuation estimation in photon external beam radiotherapy treatment planning.
Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Oncology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Radiology

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Press & Coverage

FDA
MRCAT Head & Neck 510(k) Clearance
Philips received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for MRCAT Head & Neck on April 5, 2022. This software application for Ingenia MR systems is intended for radiotherapy treatment planning for patients with soft tissue tumors in the Head and Neck region.
2022-04
RadAI Slice
Philips MRCAT Head & Neck - Radiology AI Device
MRCAT Head & Neck is a software tool integrated into Philips MR systems that automatically processes MRI data to create synthetic CT-like images for radiation therapy treatment planning. It helps clinicians accurately estimate radiation dose distributions without needing a separate CT scan.
2022-04
RadAI Slice
MRCAT Head & Neck | Philips Oy radiology AI profile
This profile highlights MRCAT Head & Neck as an FDA-cleared radiology AI listing specifically for radiotherapy planning imaging, providing details on its regulatory status and workflow.
unknown
FDA
Establishment Registration & Device Listing - Philips India Limited
Philips India Limited lists 'MRCAT Head & Neck/RTgo 5.0' as a registered device with the FDA, classified under radiation therapy treatment planning systems.
2026-06
Scribd (FDA document)
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) - Enabled Medical Devices FDA
MRCAT Head & Neck is listed among various AI/ML-enabled medical devices cleared by the FDA, indicating its inclusion in the growing landscape of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
unknown

Videos

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Frequently Asked Questions

MRCAT Head & Neck integrates by enabling MR-only radiotherapy planning, eliminating the need for a separate CT scan. It automatically generates CT-like density information from a single, high-resolution MR scan, which can be used for dose calculations and patient positioning. This streamlines the workflow, reduces patient exposure to additional radiation, and leverages MRI's superior soft tissue contrast for better target and organ-at-risk delineation.
MRCAT Head & Neck has received FDA 510(k) clearance in the U.S., making it commercially available for clinical use. This clearance signifies that the device is considered safe and effective for its intended purpose, allowing physicians to confidently integrate it into radiotherapy planning for head and neck soft tissue tumors.
The traditional alternative involves acquiring both an MRI for soft tissue contrast and a CT scan for density information, followed by a time-consuming CT-MRI image registration process. MRCAT Head & Neck offers a significant advantage by consolidating these steps into a single MR-only workflow, reducing complexity, potential registration errors, and patient discomfort.
The cost of implementing medical imaging AI solutions can vary significantly, typically ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 annually for licensing, with some comprehensive platforms reaching up to $900,000. These costs often include software development, data integration with existing systems like PACS/EHR, regulatory pathway support, and ongoing maintenance and training.
Limitations include potential clinician mistrust due to the 'black box' nature of some AI algorithms, biases in algorithm development from non-representative datasets, and challenges with data quality and heterogeneity across institutions. There are also concerns about over-reliance on technology potentially eroding clinical expertise and the need for robust external validation.
MRCAT Head & Neck uses AI to generate CT-like density information from MR scans that can be used for CT-equivalent dose calculations and accurate patient positioning. Studies indicate that MRCAT-based dose plans are as accurate as CT-based plans, promoting confidence in radiotherapy planning.

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Suggest an Edit → | Last Verified: 2026-04-19 | First Added: 2026-04-19
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