Magnetic resonance imaging in radiotherapy planning

Abstract

An operator (13) of a magnetic resonance scanner (1) performs a variety of preparatory measures sequentially on the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and / or on the patient (2) before examining a patient (2) in the magnetic resonance scanner (1), thereby establishing a configuration (K) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) in which the magnetic resonance scanner (1) is to be operated during the examination of the patient (2), and a positioning (L) of the patient (2) in which the patient (2) is to be positioned during the examination. Prior to this, a control unit (8) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) receives information (I) about the patient (2) from an oncology information system (11). Based on the received information (I) about the patient (2), it automatically determines the configuration (K) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and the positioning (L) of the patient (2).The control unit (8) outputs information (I') to the operator (13) via an operator interface (12) step by step, according to its chronological sequence, regarding each preparatory measure to be carried out on the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and / or on the patient (2). The operator (13) confirms the respective preparatory measure after its execution via the operator interface (12). Upon receipt of the confirmation (C), the control unit (8) outputs information (I') to the operator (13) regarding the next preparatory measure to be carried out.

Description

[0001] The present invention is based on a preparation method for an examination of a patient in a magnetic resonance scanner, wherein an operator of the magnetic resonance scanner carries out a plurality of preparatory measures on the magnetic resonance scanner and / or on the patient one after the other before the examination of the patient in the magnetic resonance scanner and thereby brings about a configuration of the magnetic resonance scanner in which the magnetic resonance scanner is to be operated during the examination of the patient and a positioning of the patient in which the patient is to be positioned during the examination of the patient.

[0002] The applicant points out at this point that, regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular personal term (here, for example, the term “patient”), it should always include persons with male, female and other gender identities.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a computer program comprising machine code that can be directly processed by a control device of a magnetic resonance scanner.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a control device of a magnetic resonance scanner, wherein the control device is designed as a software-programmable device and is programmed with such a computer program.

[0005] The present invention further relates to a magnetic resonance scanner, wherein the magnetic resonance scanner has such a control device.

[0006] The items mentioned are generally known.

[0007] A magnetic resonance scanner is—both in the prior art and within the scope of the present invention—a medical imaging system in which the raw signals underlying the generated images are acquired in the form of magnetic resonance signals previously generated in a patient by appropriate excitation. Such systems—often referred to as magnetic resonance systems—are used in hospitals and larger medical practices for examining patients. Their design and operation are generally known to experts.

[0008] A wide variety of procedures are used to treat diseases. Radiotherapy is often used to treat some diseases, particularly tumors. Correct planning of this type of radiotherapy requires prior acquisition of images of the patient. This is a different type of signal acquisition than the imaging examination used in diagnosis. This is because, in order to make a diagnosis, precise, millimeter-accurate localization of the patient is often of secondary importance. When planning radiotherapy, however, it is necessary to determine exactly where certain organs, tumors, etc. of the patient are located so that the correct area is irradiated during radiotherapy. For this purpose, the patient is positioned on a patient table as precisely as possible in the same way as the patient will be positioned during later radiotherapy. Signal acquisition then takes place.Based on this signal acquisition, the radiotherapy is then planned.

[0009] Current technology typically uses computed tomography (CT) scanners for signal acquisition, which forms the basis for radiation therapy planning. CT scanners provide a high-quality three-dimensional image of the patient's anatomy. Signal acquisition is relatively rapid, and the associated workflows are well-established.

[0010] In radiology—this also applies to radiation therapy planning—it is common practice for an information system to exchange basic data regarding a patient examination schedule using a medical imaging modality (usually a CT scanner). This specifies when each patient should be examined.

[0011] Recently, there has been increased interest in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to or as an alternative to CT scanning for signal acquisition, which informs radiotherapy planning. MRI scanning offers the advantages of high tissue contrast and the ability to provide both morphological and functional images with varying contrast. Another advantage is that the patient does not need to be exposed to a dose of ionizing radiation for signal acquisition.

[0012] Magnetic resonance scanners, however, also have significant disadvantages.

[0013] Signal acquisition is often considerably more complex. In particular, there are a large number of different sequences and protocols with numerous adjustable acquisition parameters, which, depending on the selection and settings, can significantly influence the quality of the generated images.

[0014] Furthermore, with magnetic resonance scanners it is often necessary to apply a large number of local coils to the patient in order to generate high-quality images. In many cases the local coils are applied directly to the patient, for example so that they rest on the patient or the patient rests on the corresponding local coil. This often results in deformations of the patient. For the pure diagnostic purpose these deformations can usually be accepted without further ado. However, during radiation therapy planning such deformations are not tolerable. As already mentioned during radiation therapy planning the patient must be positioned as precisely as possible in the same way as the patient will be positioned during the subsequent radiation therapy.To resolve this conflict, a considerable number of procedures are required so that, on the one hand, the local coils can be applied, but, on the other hand, no deformation of the patient is caused.

[0015] Therefore, properly conducting a patient imaging examination for radiation therapy planning requires highly qualified personnel. Both signal acquisition and the preparation of the magnetic resonance scanner are cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0016] In principle, it is conceivable to train staff accordingly. However, such training is also complex. Furthermore, the pool from which staff can be recruited is often very small. This is because there are only a few people who are sufficiently familiar with both the issues surrounding magnetic resonance imaging and the problems associated with signal acquisition for planning radiation therapy.

[0017] In order to enable the integration of a magnetic resonance scanner into signal acquisition for radiotherapy planning, the workflows involved in operating the magnetic resonance scanner must be simplified and automated.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by means of which the integration of a magnetic resonance scanner into the imaging for planning radiotherapy is significantly simplified.

[0019] The object is achieved by a preparation method for an examination of a patient in a magnetic resonance scanner having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the preparation method are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 4.

[0020] According to the invention, a preparation method of the type mentioned at the outset is designed in that - that a control device of the magnetic resonance scanner receives patient information from an oncology information system, - that the control device automatically determines the configuration of the magnetic resonance scanner and the positioning of the patient depending on the patient information received from the oncology information system, - that the control device outputs information about a respective preparatory measure to be carried out on the magnetic resonance scanner and / or on the patient to the operator step by step according to its chronological sequence via a user interface, - that the operator confirms the respective preparatory measure after its implementation via the operator interface and - that the control device, upon receipt of the confirmation, provides the operator with information on the next preparatory measure to be carried out.

[0021] The operator is guided through the preparation as much as possible. The operator is essentially merely an executive function, carrying out the instructions issued via the user interface. This significantly reduces the time required for training and instruction of personnel. Preparation errors are also avoided as much as possible.

[0022] An oncology information system is a computer system often installed in hospitals that serves to document patient findings during cancer examinations and plan the associated therapies. It provides standardized terminology and procedures. This is especially true for the communication structures of the oncology information system, which the oncology information system shares with other units.

[0023] The patient information may be information about the intended treatment for a specific patient for radiotherapy. Such radiotherapy also indirectly specifies an intended examination of the patient, which is carried out before the actual radiotherapy as part of the radiotherapy planning. Alternatively or additionally, the patient information may be the examination of the patient required before the actual radiotherapy. Again alternatively or additionally, it may also be other patient data. Examples of such other data include information about the patient's kidney function. Such information may be relevant, for example, if contrast examinations are to be carried out as part of the radiotherapy planning.The other data may also include previously acquired diagnostic or simulation images including their setup parameters.

[0024] In the latter case, i.e. when the patient's information also includes the setup parameters of previous images, in some cases these parameters can be directly adopted as preparatory measures or the preparatory measures can be derived from them.

[0025] The procedure according to the invention goes far beyond the usual specification of a schedule. Rather, it also specifies the specific preparation of the magnetic resonance scanner and / or the patient.

[0026] Typically, the magnetic resonance scanner is located in a scanner room. Preferably, the operator interface is also located in the scanner room, at least during the execution of the preparation procedure. This proximity can increase the reliability and flexibility of information transmission to the operator. Confirmation is also simplified.

[0027] It's possible for the operator interface to be located in a fixed location in the scanner room. Even better, the operator interface can be portable.

[0028] The preparatory measures may be determined as needed. In particular, the preparatory measures may include the following: - the arrangement of positioning aids and / or immobilisation aids for the patient on a patient table of the magnetic resonance scanner intended for the patient's admission, - placing immobilization aids on the patient, - arranging coil holders on the patient table and - the arrangement of coils on the patient table directly or indirectly via coil holders arranged on the patient table.

[0029] The measures mentioned can be combined as required.

[0030] The object is further achieved by a computer program having the features of claim 5. According to the invention, the processing of the machine code by the control device causes the control device - receives information from a patient from an oncology information system, - depending on the patient information received from the oncology information system, automatically determines a configuration in which the magnetic resonance scanner is to be operated during the examination of the patient, and automatically determines a patient position in which the patient is to be positioned during the examination, - outputs information about a respective preparatory measure to be carried out on the magnetic resonance scanner and / or on the patient to an operator of the magnetic resonance scanner step by step according to their chronological sequence via a user interface and - upon receipt of the operator's confirmation of the implementation of the respective preparatory measure, provides the operator with information on the next preparatory measure to be implemented.

[0031] The object is further achieved by a control device having the features of claim 6. According to the invention, the control device is programmed with a computer program according to the invention.

[0032] The object is further achieved by a magnetic resonance scanner having the features of claim 7. According to the invention, the control device of the magnetic resonance scanner is designed as a control device according to the invention.

[0033] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Herein, in schematic representation: Fig. 1 a magnetic resonance scanner, Fig. 2 a flow chart, Fig. 3 a plan view of a scanner room, Fig. 4 a patient table from above, Fig. 5 a patient table from the side and Fig. 6 a flow chart.

[0034] According to Fig. 1, magnetic resonance signals S of a patient 2 are to be acquired using a magnetic resonance scanner 1. Based on the acquired magnetic resonance signals S, images B of the patient 2 are generated. The generated images B of the patient 2 and / or images B' generated by processing the images B are to be used later in the context of radiation therapy planning.

[0035] The magnetic resonance scanner 1 is constructed in a conventional manner. It comprises a base magnet 3. Using the base magnet 3, which is often superconducting, a temporally static and spatially homogeneous basic magnetic field is generated in an examination volume 4. The basic magnetic field has a significant strength, for example, a strength of 1.5 T or 3 T. The magnetic resonance scanner 1 further comprises a gradient system 5. Using the gradient system 5, gradient fields can be superimposed on the basic magnetic field. The magnetic resonance scanner 1 further comprises a whole-body coil 6. Using the whole-body coil 6, an RF field can be generated in the examination volume 4. The frequency of the RF field, the so-called Larmor frequency, is determined by the gyromagnetic ratio of the magnetic resonance signals S to be excited and the strength of the basic magnetic field. The whole-body coil 6 is often designed as a birdcage.In the typical case of detecting the magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms, the gyromagnetic ratio is approximately 42.6 MHz / T. The reception of excited magnetic resonance signals S can also be achieved with the whole-body coil 6. However, reception is often achieved using local coils 7 due to the significantly better signal-to-noise ratio. Fig. For the sake of clarity, only a single local coil 7 is shown in Figure 1. In reality, many local coils 7 are often present.

[0036] The magnetic resonance scanner 1 has a control device 8, which controls the magnetic resonance scanner 1. The control device 8 is, as shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by the designation "µP," is designed as a software-programmable device. The control device 8 is programmed with a computer program 9. The control program 9 comprises machine code 10, which can be directly processed by the control device 8. Due to the programming of the control device 8 with the computer program 9, the control device 8 processes the machine code 10 during operation. The processing of the machine code 10 causes the control device 8 to execute an operating method, which is explained in more detail below.

[0037] In particular, for the correct acquisition of the magnetic resonance signals S, it is often necessary to prepare the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or the patient 2 for the examination. The term "correct acquisition" is meant here in the sense that the radiotherapy planning based on the generated images B, B' can be carried out correctly, so that the correct location of the patient 2 is irradiated during the radiotherapy. To prepare the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or the patient 2, the procedure is preferably as described below in connection with Fig. 2 is explained in more detail.

[0038] According to Fig. 2, the control device 8 receives in a step S1 from an oncology information system 11 (see Fig. 1), with which the control device 8 is connected for data purposes, receives information I from the patient 2. It is possible for the control device 8 to actively retrieve the information I from the oncology information system (pull principle). Alternatively, it is possible for the information I to be provided to the control device 8 by the oncology information system 11 (push principle).

[0039] The information I initially comprises the data for identifying the patient 2 as such, i.e., their name, date of birth, etc. Furthermore, the information I can comprise data on intended radiotherapy. In this case, it must be possible to derive from the data on the intended radiotherapy which examinations of the patient 2 are to be performed using the magnetic resonance scanner 1. Alternatively, the information I can directly comprise which examinations of the patient 2 are to be performed using the magnetic resonance scanner 1. In addition, the information I can also comprise older diagnoses. If necessary, the information I can also comprise setting data for medical imaging modalities with which the medical imaging modalities were set when acquiring the images on which the older diagnoses are based.If the medical imaging modalities included magnetic resonance imaging systems, the settings may also include the protocols used at that time.

[0040] In a step S2, the control device 8 automatically determines a configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1. The configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 determined in step S2 is the configuration in which the magnetic resonance scanner 1 is to be operated during the examination of the patient 2. Likewise, in a step S3, the control device 8 automatically determines a position L of the patient 2. The position L of the patient 2 determined in step S3 is the position in which the patient 2 is to be positioned during the examination of the patient 2. The control device 8 performs both the determination in step S2 and the determination in step S3 depending on the information I, i.e., depending on the information I about the patient 2 received from the oncology information system 11.

[0041] In order to achieve the configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and the positioning L of the patient 2, a number of preparatory measures are required.

[0042] In a step S4, the control device 8 determines the preparatory measure that is to be carried out first on the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or on the patient 2. In step S5, the control device 8 transmits information I' about the respective preparatory measure to be carried out to an operator 13 of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 via a user interface 12 (see Fig. 1). For example, an image of the patient 2 and / or a patient couch (later also referred to as the patient table) can be displayed on a screen or the like, in which the area in which the corresponding preparatory measure is to be carried out is visually highlighted. What is to be done can also be indicated in text form and / or images. An example: The text "Mount coil holder X at location Y on the patient couch and mount local coil Z on coil holder X" is displayed. At the same time, for example, the corresponding area of ​​the patient couch can be visually highlighted by being displayed in a different color and / or flashing. In addition, images or other markings of the coil holder X and the local coil Z can also be displayed if necessary.

[0043] The operator 13 performs this preparatory measure and then confirms the execution of the preparatory measure via the operator interface 12. The control device 8 receives the confirmation in a step S6. Upon receipt of the confirmation C from the operator 13 regarding the execution of the respective preparatory measure, the control device 8 proceeds to a step S7.

[0044] In step S7, the control device 8 checks whether all preparatory measures have already been performed. If not all preparatory measures have yet been performed, the control device 8 determines in step S8 the preparatory measure to be performed next on the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or on the patient 2. The control device 8 then returns to step S5. Otherwise, the control device 8 proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the operation of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and the acquisition of the magnetic resonance signals S take place.

[0045] The approach of Fig. 2 thus causes the operator 13 to successively carry out the preparatory measures on the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or on the patient 2 before the examination of the patient 2 in the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and thereby bring about the desired configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and the desired positioning L of the patient 2. Within the scope of the procedure of Fig. 2, the information I' on the preparatory measures to be carried out is output step by step according to their chronological sequence.

[0046] The term “operator interface 12” refers in this case to the hardware device, for example a monitor with the associated keyboard and other input devices such as a mouse.

[0047] As a rule, as shown in Fig. 3, the magnetic resonance scanner 1 is arranged in a scanner room 14. The scanner room 14 is completely surrounded by walls 15, with a door 16 arranged in at least one wall 15. The walls 15 and the door 16 are often transparent to a considerable extent. However, this is of secondary importance within the scope of the present invention.

[0048] The operator interface 12 is preferably arranged in the scanner room 14—at least during the execution of the preparation method. The arrangement in the scanner room 14 can be achieved by arranging the operator interface 12 in a fixed location in the scanner room 14. In this case, the operator interface 12 is permanently arranged in the scanner room 14. Alternatively, the operator interface 12 can be portable, i.e., connected to the control device 8 via a cable or, preferably, wirelessly, so that the operator 13 can vary the specific location where the operator interface 12 is arranged in the scanner room 14 as needed.

[0049] The preparatory measures that the operator 13 performs can be determined as required. For example, the preparatory measures can be carried out according to Fig. 4 include the arrangement of positioning aids 17 for the patient 2 on a patient table 18 of the magnetic resonance scanner 1. The patient table 18 is intended for the reception of the patient 2, so that the patient 2 lies on the patient table 18. The exemplary in Fig. The positioning aids 17 shown in Figure 4 can be stops against which the patient 2 rests with the soles of his feet. However, the positioning aids 17 shown are purely exemplary. Alternatively or additionally, the preparatory measures can include the arrangement of immobilization aids 19 for the patient 2 on the patient table 18. Examples are shown in Figure 4. Fig. 4 immobilization aids 19 are shown, between which the head of the patient 2 is placed. Alternatively or additionally, the preparatory measures can be carried out according to Fig. 5 may include arranging coil holders 20 on the patient table 18. Local coils 7 can be arranged indirectly on the patient table 18 using the coil holders 20. Alternatively or additionally, the local coils 7 can also be arranged directly on the patient table 18, provided the local coils 7 are prepared accordingly. Other preparatory measures are also possible.

[0050] Step S9 of Fig. 2 can be designed in various ways. Irrespective of the type of design, this design is also implemented by the control device 8 based on the programming with the computer program 9 or the processing of the machine code 10. The following is described in connection with Fig. 6 explains a possible embodiment of step S9.

[0051] According to Fig. 6, in a step S11, the control device 8 automatically determines, depending on the information I, a number of protocols P with which the magnetic resonance scanner 1 is to be operated during the examination of the patient 2. For example, many possible protocols P are usually stored in the control device 8. The term “protocol” is clearly defined for those skilled in the art in the field of magnetic resonance systems. For example, it is possible to note for a large number of possible examinations which protocols P are to be used and in which order the protocols P are to be used. If, based on the information I from previous examinations with magnetic resonance systems, the protocols used at that time are known, these protocols can also be adopted directly if necessary. In both cases, the control device 8 can easily determine the specific protocols P to be used in step S11.

[0052] In a step S12, the control device 8 outputs the protocols P determined in step S11 via an interface 21 (see Fig. 1) to the operator 13. The term "interface 21" refers here - analogously to the operator interface 12 - to the hardware device, for example a monitor with the associated keyboard and other input devices such as a mouse. In individual cases, the operator interface 12 and the interface 21 may be one and the same device. However, often, as shown in Fig. 3 are different devices. The interface 21 is as shown in Fig. 3 is generally located outside the scanner room 14. In exceptional cases, however, it may also be located inside the scanner room 14.

[0053] The operator 13 can leave the protocols P unchanged. They can also modify them by entering modification commands. The operator 13 therefore issues a confirmation command C' to the control device 8 either without modifying the protocols P or after modifying them. The control device 8 accepts the confirmation command C' in a step S13.

[0054] Next, in a step S14, the control device 8 operates the magnetic resonance scanner 1 according to the protocols P, i.e., according to the protocols P determined by the control device 8 in step S11 and possibly modified by the operator 13 between steps S12 and S13. This results in the operation of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and the acquisition of the associated magnetic resonance signals S during the examination of the patient 2.

[0055] Although steps S12 and S13 are typically present, they are not mandatory. If they are not required, the control device 8 always operates the magnetic resonance scanner 1 in step S14 according to the unchanged protocols P determined in step S11.

[0056] The acquisition of the magnetic resonance signals S is usually followed by the generation of the corresponding images B in a step S15. This generates the images B as such. This generation, i.e., the conversion of the magnetic resonance signals S initially acquired in k-space into spatial space, is always required.

[0057] In many cases, the images B are further processed after their generation. This generates a processed image B'. The processing itself, if carried out, is carried out according to Fig. 6 in a step S18. The processing is carried out according to a processing algorithm A. In many cases, the control device 8 parameterizes the processing algorithm A in a step S17 and thus before processing the generated images B with processing parameters PA. The determination of the processing parameters PA can be carried out as required. For example, the operator 13 can set the processing parameters PA. Preferably, however, the processing parameters PA are determined as shown in Fig. 6 the control device 8 automatically adjusts the processing parameters PA in a step S16, which is carried out before step S17, depending on the information I received from the oncology information system 11.

[0058] In summary, the present invention relates to the following: Before examining a patient 2 in the magnetic resonance scanner 1, an operator 13 of a magnetic resonance scanner 1 performs a plurality of preparatory measures on the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or on the patient 2 in succession, thereby establishing a configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 in which the magnetic resonance scanner 1 is to be operated during the examination of the patient 2, and a positioning L of the patient 2 in which the patient 2 is to be positioned during the examination of the patient 2. Prior to this, a control device 8 of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 receives information I about the patient 2 from an oncology information system 11. It automatically determines the configuration K of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and the positioning L of the patient 2 depending on the received information I about the patient 2.The control device 8 outputs, step by step, according to their chronological sequence, information I' about a respective preparatory measure to be performed on the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or on the patient 2 to the operator 13 via an operator interface 12. The operator 13 confirms the respective preparatory measure after its execution via the operator interface 12. Upon receipt of the confirmation C, the control device 8 outputs information I' about the respective next preparatory measure to be performed to the operator 13.

[0059] The present invention offers many advantages. In particular, even less intensively trained operators 13 can operate the magnetic resonance scanner 1 properly. Specifically, the preparation of the magnetic resonance scanner 1 and / or the patient 2 prior to the examination is significantly simplified. The operator 13 can devote more attention to the patient 2, as their attention no longer needs to be focused on the magnetic resonance scanner 1. Errors that would otherwise be caused by a lack of confidence on the part of the operator 13 can often be avoided. The definition of the protocols P can also be fully automated or at least with just a few mouse clicks (or similar input operations). The same applies to the processing of the generated images B.

[0060] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Preparation method for an examination of a patient (2) in a magnetic resonance scanner (1), wherein an operator (13) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) carries out a plurality of preparatory measures on the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and / or on the patient (2) one after the other before the examination of the patient (2) in the magnetic resonance scanner (1), thereby bringing about a configuration (K) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) in which the magnetic resonance scanner (1) is to be operated during the examination of the patient (2), and a positioning (L) of the patient (2) in which the patient (2) is to be positioned during the examination of the patient (2), characterized by , - that a control device (8) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) receives information (I) of the patient (2) from an oncology information system (11), - that the control device (8) automatically determines the configuration (K) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and the positioning (L) of the patient (2) depending on the information (I) of the patient (2) received from the oncology information system (11), - that the control device (8) outputs, step by step according to its chronological sequence, via a user interface (12), information (I') about a respective preparatory measure to be carried out on the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and / or on the patient (2) to the operator (13), - that the operator (13) confirms the respective preparatory measure after its implementation via the operator interface (12) and - that the control device (8) outputs information (I') about the next preparatory measure to be carried out to the operator (13) upon receipt of the confirmation (C). [2] Preparation method according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnetic resonance scanner (1) is arranged in a scanner room (14) and that the operator interface (12) is also arranged in the scanner room (14) at least during the execution of the preparation method. [3] Preparation method according to claim 2, characterized by that the operator interface (12) is arranged stationary in the scanner room (14) or is portable. [4] Preparation method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized bythat the preparatory measures comprise the arrangement of positioning aids (17) and / or immobilization aids (19) for the patient (2) on a patient table (18) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) intended for receiving the patient (2) and / or the arrangement of immobilization aids (19) on the patient (2) and / or the arrangement of coil holders (20) on the patient table (18) and / or the arrangement of coils (7) on the patient table (18) directly or indirectly via coil holders (20) arranged on the patient table (18). [5] Computer program comprising machine code (10) which can be directly processed by a control device (8) of a magnetic resonance scanner (1) and whose processing by the control device (8) causes the control device (8) - receives information (I) from a patient (2) from an oncology information system (11), - depending on the information (I) of the patient (2) received by the oncology information system (11), automatically determines a configuration (K) in which the magnetic resonance scanner (1) is to be operated during the examination of the patient (2), and automatically determines a positioning (L) of the patient (2) in which the patient (2) is to be positioned during the examination of the patient (2), - outputs, step by step in accordance with their chronological sequence, information (I') about a respective preparatory measure to be carried out on the magnetic resonance scanner (1) and / or on the patient (2) to an operator (13) of the magnetic resonance scanner (1) via an operator interface (12), and - based on receipt of the confirmation (10) from the operator (13) regarding the implementation of the respective preparatory measure, outputs information (I') to the operator (13) regarding the next preparatory measure to be implemented. [6] Control device of a magnetic resonance scanner (1), wherein the control device is designed as a software-programmable device and is programmed with a computer program (9) according to claim 5. [7] Magnetic resonance scanner, wherein the magnetic resonance scanner comprises a control device (8) according to claim 6.

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