Body Composition Assessment by Computed Tomography (CT)

Self-directed online course requiring a commitment of approximately 40-50 hours over 6 months

The combination of involuntary weight loss and skeletal muscle depletion is a demonstrated poor prognostic factor for patients with cancer, independent of BMI. Evaluation of tissue density data from axial CT images is an international gold standard method for body composition analysis, to identify skeletal muscle depletion at the tissue level. Developed by international experts, this self-paced online course provides training and certification in this method.

A major focus of the course is the identification of anatomical structures and landmarks to ensure that images are correctly identified for assessment, and completion of a precision assessment to ensure learners can accurately and reliably assess CT images.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 
After completing the course, participants will:

  • Be able to identify anatomical structures, gross anatomy and landmarks correctly for the purpose of body composition analysis by CT Recognise limitations regarding inter- and intra-muscular adipose tissue quantification
  • Be able to explain the role of muscle status evaluation by CT in the assessment of malnutrition and sarcopenia
  • Be able to identify vertebral landmarks visible in various clinical imaging series (head and neck, abdominal, pelvic) including the third lumbar vertebral landmark used for body composition analysis by CT
  • Demonstrate precision through analysis of a series of images (both inter- and intra-reliability), which is acceptable for practical applications
  • Receive certification of successful completion

WHO IS THIS COURSE DESIGNED FOR? 
The course will be of interest to a range of multidisciplinary oncology clinicians and researchers with an interest in sarcopenia, malnutrition, muscle metabolism, cancer cachexia or factors that impact outcomes including dose-limiting cancer treatment toxicities

COURSE PROGRAM
This self-paced course offers training and certification in body composition analysis using CT imaging. This course is entirely online and can be entered at any stage. Participants will have access to the course platform for 6 months.

The course offers a variety of methods to learn and engage with the facilitators and other participants, including:

  • Instructional videos which can be watched as many times as needed
  • 'Knowledge check' quizzes to test understanding
  • Online discussion forum to ask questions and make comments
  • A live, virtual Q&A session to meet the experts
  • Support from course facilitators to assist participants with the precision assessment

The course is structured into five modules:  

  1. Preparation:
    Background readings and manual
  2. Foundations:
    Introduction to body composition by CT
    Radiological imaging principles
    CT imaging in cancer care
    Abdominal muscles and landmarking tutorials
  3. Applications:
    Analysis software and precision testing
    Data interpretation: Sarcopenia and clinical outcomes
    Navigating Sliceomatic and Alberta Protocol
    Practical exercises with CT images
    Annotating tissue and exporting data
  4. Participant Practice:
    Hands-on manual segmentation of images
    Comparison with expert results
  5. Precision Assessment:
    Advanced analysis practice with 30 images
    Accuracy assessment and feedback

MEET THE EXPERTS 
Participants will have the opportunity to meet the course facilitators and ask questions of the expert faculty:

  • Professor Vickie Baracos, University of Alberta
  • Professor Judy Bauer, Monash University
  • Dr Lisa Martin, Alberta Health Services
  • Associate Clinical Professor Merran Findlay, University of New South Wales
  • Abha Dunichand-Hoedl, University of Alberta
  • Dr Lauren Hanna, Monash University

REQUIRED RESOURCES

Body Composition Assessment by Computed Tomography (CT)

Online Short Course
111752

Please note that any registrations received after 18th December (5pm AEST) will be processed after 6th January 2025

$1,320.00
More Information
Contact NameDr Lauren Hanna
Contact Emaillauren.hanna@monash.edu
Contact Phone+61 3 9902 4270
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