Effects of radiotherapy planning with a dedicated combined PET-CT-simulator of patients with non-small cell lung cancer on dose limiting normal tissues and radiation dose-escalation: a planning study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of radiotherapy planning with a dedicated combined PET-CT simulator of patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients underwent a pre-treatment simulation on a dedicated hybrid PET-CT-simulator. For each patient, two 3D conformal treatment plans were made: one with a CT based PTV and one with a PET-CT based PTV, both to deliver 60Gy in 30 fractions. The maximum tolerable prescribed radiation dose for CT versus PET-CT PTV was calculated based on constraints for the lung, the oesophagus, and the spinal cord, and the Tumour Control Probability (TCP) was estimated. RESULTS: For the same toxicity levels of the lung, oesophagus and spinal cord, the dose could be increased from 55.2+/-2.0Gy with CT planning to 68.9+/-3.3Gy with the use of PET-CT (P=0.002), with corresponding TCP's of 6.3+/-1.5% for CT and 24.0+/-5.6% for PET-CT planning (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of a combined dedicated PET-CT-simulator reduced radiation exposure of the oesophagus and the lung, and thus allowed significant radiation dose escalation whilst respecting all relevant normal tissue constraints.     

Impact of computed tomography (CT) and 18F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) image fusion for conformal radiotherapy in esophageal carcinoma]

PURPOSE: To study the impact of fused (18)F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) images on conformal radiation therapy (CRT) planning for patients with esophageal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients with esophageal carcinoma were referred for concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with radical intent. Each patient underwent CT and FDG-hybrid PET for simulation treatment in the same radiation treatment position. PET-images were coregistered using five fiducial markers. Target delineation was initially performed on CT images and the corresponding PET data were subsequently used as an overlay to CT data to define the target volume. RESULTS: FDG-PET identified previously undetected distant metastatic disease in 2 patients, making them ineligible for curative CRT. The Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) was decreased by CT and FDG image fusion in 12 patients (35%) and was increased in 7 patients (20.5%). The GTV reduction was >or=25% in 4 patients due to reduction of the length of the esophageal tumor. The GTV increase was >or=25% with FDG-PET in 2 patients due to the detection of occult mediastinal lymph node involvement in one patient and an increased length of the esophageal tumor in the other patient. Modifications of the GTV affected the planning treatment volume (PTV) in 18 patients. Modifications of delineation of GTV and displacement of the isocenter of PTV by FDG-PET also affected the percentage of total lung volume receiving more than 20 Gy (VL20) in 25 patients (74%), with a dose reduction in 12 patients and a dose increase in 13 patients. CONCLUSION: In our study, CT and FDG-PET image fusion appeared to have an impact on treatment planning and management of patients with esophageal carcinoma related to modifications of GTV. The impact on treatment outcome remains to be demonstrated.     

Comparison of FDG-PET/CT and CT for delineation of lumpectomy cavity for partial breast irradiation

PURPOSE: The success of partial breast irradiation critically depends on proper target localization. We examined the use of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) for improved lumpectomy cavity (LC) delineation and treatment planning. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twelve breast cancer patients underwent FDG-PET/CT on a GE Discovery scanner with a median time from surgery to PET/CT of 49 days. The LC was contoured on the CT scan by a radiation oncologist and, together with a nuclear medicine physician, on the PET/CT scan. The volumes were calculated and compared in each patient. Treatment planning target volumes (PTVs) were calculated by expanding the margin 2 cm beyond the LC, maintaining a 5-mm margin from the skin and chest wall, and the treatment plans were evaluated. In addition, a study with a patient-like phantom was conducted to evaluate the effect that the window/level settings might have on contouring. RESULTS: The margin of the LC was well visualized on all FDG-PET images. The phantom results indicated that the difference between the known volume and the FDG-PET-delineated volume was <10%, regardless of the window/level settings. The PET/CT volumes were larger than the CT volumes in all cases (median volume ratio, 1.68; range, 1.24-2.45; p = 0.004). The PET/CT-based PTVs were also larger than the CT-based PTV (median volume ratio, 1.16; range, 1.08-1.64; p = 0.006). In 9 of 12 patients, a CT-based treatment plan did not provide adequate coverage of the PET/CT-based PTV (99% of the PTV received <95% of the prescribed dose), resulting in substantial cold spots in some plans. In these cases, treatment plans were generated which were specifically designed to cover the larger PET/CT-based PTV. Although these plans showed an increased dose to the normal tissues, the increases were modest: the non-target breast volume receiving > or =50 Gy, lung volume receiving > or =30 Gy, and heart volume receiving > or =5 Gy increased by 5.7%, 0.8%, and 0.2%, respectively. The normal tissue dose-volume objectives were still met with these plans. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that FDG-PET/CT can be used to define the LC volume. The increased FDG uptake was likely a result of postoperative inflammation in the LC. The targets defined using PET/CT were significantly larger than those defined with CT alone. Our results have shown that treatment plans can be generated to cover these larger PET/CT target volumes with only a modest increase in irradiated tissue volume compared with CT-determined PTVs.     

食管癌结合锥形束CT图像引导自适应放射治疗的可行性研究

目的探索利用食管癌患者首周放射治疗时的锥形束CT(cone beam computed tomography,CBCT)图像,建立个体化计划靶区以减少正常组织受照剂量的可行性。方法选取行根治三维放射治疗的食管癌患者10例,获取每位患者治疗首周前5次及后续每周治疗前CBCT验证图像,将其导入治疗计划系统中,与治疗前的定位CT图像配准融合。然后在每个CBCT图像上按患者治疗前靶区勾画原则,再次勾画临床靶区(clinic tumor volume,CTV),并根据首周治疗的摆位误差平均值外扩生成计划靶区(planning tumor volume,PTV)。将首周5个CBCT上勾画的PTV轮廓映射到定位CT上合并生成PTV1,以此法生成后续2～6周的PTV2。按照初始计划(Plan A)的参数设置,保持靶区处方剂量及各危及器官的限量要求不变,以PTV1为靶区,制定一个新的放射治疗计划,即患者个体化的自适应放射治疗计划(Plan B)。用新计划(Plan B)的95%等剂量线评估PTV2覆盖度,通过剂量-体积直方图(DVH)来比较Plan A与Plan B中肺、心脏和脊髓的受照射剂量。结果 PTV1体积比PTV体积小(P<0.05);Plan B中处方剂量95%等剂量线的覆盖率分别为:PTV1=(98.9±2.0)%和PTV2=(99.1±2.0)%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Plan B的危及器官所受剂量均小于Plan A:肺V20(25.1%vs26.9%)、平均剂量(14.0Gy vs15.1Gy),心脏的平均剂量(16.7Gy vs19.7Gy)和脊髓最大剂量(42Gy vs43Gy),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论利用患者治疗首周CBCT图像资料反馈的信息,可以有效减少计划靶区体积。修改后的计划可在后续治疗中开展,并能进一步减少靶区周围危及器官的照射剂量和潜在提高靶区剂量。     

Feasibility of shrinking field radiation therapy through 18F-FDG PET/CT after 40 Gy for stage III non-small cell lung cancers

Objective: To explore the feasibility of shrinking field technique after 40 Gy radiation through 18F-FDG PET/CT during treatment for patients with stage Ⅲ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: In 66 consecutivepatients with local-advanced NSCLC, 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning was performed prior to treatment and repeatedafter 40 Gy. Conventionally fractionated IMRT or CRT plans to a median total dose of 66Gy (range, 60-78Gy)were generated. The target volumes were delineated in composite images of CT and PET. Plan 1 was designedfor 40 Gy to the initial planning target volume (PTV) with a subsequent 20-28 Gy-boost to the shrunken PTV.Plan 2 was delivering the same dose to the initial PTV without shrinking field. Accumulated doses of normaltissues were calculated using deformable image registration during the treatment course. Results: The medianGTV and PTV reduction were 35% and 30% after 40 Gy treatment. Target volume reduction was correlatedwith chemotherapy and sex. In plan 2, delivering the same dose to the initial PTV could have only been achievedin 10 (15.2%) patients. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed regarding doses to the lung, spinal cord,esophagus and heart. Conclusions: Radiotherapy adaptive to tumor shrinkage determined by repeated 18F-FDGPET/CT after 40 Gy during treatment course might be feasible to spare more normal tissues, and has the potentialto allow dose escalation and increased local control.     

PET/CT下非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗中肿瘤退缩及对治疗计划参数的影响

目的:观察PET/CT下非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)中肿瘤退缩对靶区周围危及器官治疗计划参数的影响.方法:分析在PET/CT定位下行根治性3D-CRT的NSCLC患者55例,根据PET/CT融合图像勾画初始肿瘤放疗靶区,给予根治剂量处方量60~66 Gy/30~33 f 制定3D-CRT计划;放疗20次40 Gy时根据肿瘤退缩情况重新CT定位勾画靶区,修改照射野后重新制定放疗计划完成治疗.比较两次定位影像上GTV的体积VGTV(cm3)、PTV的体积VPTV(cm3) 差异;并对初始放疗计划和实际完成的计划靶区周围危及器官的剂量分布进行比较.结果:55例NSCLC患者中,除1例GTV体积增大(1.77cm3,4%)外,其余54例GTV体积均有不同程度缩小(6%~67%),差异有统计学意义(t=6.635,P=0.000).相应的,除1例PTV体积增大(17.13cm3,8%)外,其余54例PTV体积均有不同程度缩小(3%~59%),差异有统计学意义(t=8.045,P=0.000).两种计划参数VGTV、VPTV、VL20、VR20、SCM、MSD、MLD、MRD、MHD、ESM差异有统计学意义(P=0.000、0.000、0.000、0.000、0.001、0.000、0.000、0.000、0.002、0.031).结论:在NSCLC放疗过程中,肿瘤体积发生明显变化,而根据肿瘤退缩情况适时缩野、重新制定放疗计划,可显著降低肺及脊髓的受照射剂量,为提高靶区剂量、优化放疗计划提供了可能.     

Impact of CT and 18F-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography image fusion for conformal radiotherapy in esophageal carcinoma

PURPOSE: To study the impact of fused (18)F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) images on conformal radiotherapy planning for esophageal carcinoma patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-four esophageal carcinoma patients were referred for concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with radical intent. Each patient underwent CT and FDG-hybrid PET for simulation treatment in the same treatment position. PET images were coregistered using five fiducial markers. Target delineation was initially performed on CT images, and the corresponding PET data were subsequently used as an overlay to CT data to define the target volume. RESULTS: (18)F-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose-PET identified previously undetected distant metastatic disease in 2 patients, making them ineligible for curative conformal radiotherapy. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was decreased by CT and FDG image fusion in 12 patients (35%) and increased in 7 patients (21%). The GTV reduction was > or =25% in 4 patients owing to a reduction in the length of the esophageal tumor. The GTV increase was > or =25% with FDG-PET in 2 patients owing to the detection of occult mediastinal lymph node involvement in 1 patient and an increased length of the esophageal tumor in 1 patient. Modifications of the GTV affected the planning treatment volume in 18 patients. Modifications of the delineation of the GTV and displacement of the isocenter of the planning treatment volume by FDG-PET also affected the percentage of total lung volume receiving >20 Gy in 25 patients (74%), with a dose reduction in 12 patients and dose increase in 13. CONCLUSION: In our study, CT and FDG-PET image fusion appeared to have an impact on treatment planning and management of esophageal carcinoma. The affect on treatment outcome remains to be demonstrated.     

Persistently better treatment planning results of intensity-modulated (IMRT) over conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in prostate cancer patients with significant variation of clinical target volume and/or organs-at-risk

PURPOSE: To compare the dose coverage of planning and clinical target volume (PTV, CTV), and organs-at-risk (OAR) between intensity-modulated (3D-IMRT) and conventional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) before and after internal organ variation in prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We selected 10 patients with clinically significant interfraction volume changes. Patients were treated with 3D-IMRT to 80 Gy (minimum PTV dose of 76 Gy, excluding rectum). Fictitious, equivalent 3D-CRT plans (80 Gy at isocenter, with 95% isodose (76 Gy) coverage of PTV, with rectal blocking above 76 Gy) were generated using the same planning CT data set ("CT planning"). The plans were then also applied to a verification CT scan ("CT verify") obtained at a different moment. PTV, CTV, and OAR dose coverage were compared using non-parametric tests statistics for V95, V90 (% of the volume receiving 95 or 90% of the dose) and D50 (dose to 50% of the volume). RESULTS: Mean V95 of the PTV for "CT planning" was 94.3% (range, 88-99) vs 89.1% (range, 84-94.5) for 3D-IMRT and 3D-CRT (p=0.005), respectively. Mean V95 of the CTV for "CT verify" was 97% for both 3D-IMRT and 3D-CRT. Mean D50 of the rectum for "CT planning" was 26.8 Gy (range, 22-35) vs 43.5 Gy (range, 33.5-50.5) for 3D-IMRT and 3D-CRT (p=0.0002), respectively. For "CT verify", this D50 was 31.1 Gy (range, 16.5-44) vs 44.2 Gy (range, 34-55) for 3D-IMRT and 3D-CRT (p=0.006), respectively. V95 of the rectum was 0% for both plans for "CT planning", and 2.3% (3D-IMRT) vs 2.1% (3D-CRT) for "CT verify" (p=non-sig.). CONCLUSION: Dose coverage of the PTV and OAR was better with 3D-IMRT for each patient and remained so after internal volume changes.     

The impact of (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) lymph node staging on the radiation treatment volumes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) combined with computer tomography (PET-CT) is superior to CT alone in mediastinal lymph node (LN) staging in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We studied the potential impact of this non-invasive LN staging procedure on the radiation treatment plan of patients with NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The imaging and surgical pathology data from 105 patients included in two previously published prospective LN staging protocols form the basis for the present analysis. For 73 of these patients, with positive LN's on CT and/or on PET, a theoretical study was performed in which for each patient the gross tumour volume (GTV) was defined based on CT and on PET-CT data. For each GTV, the completeness of tumour coverage was assessed, using the available surgical pathology data as gold standard. A more detailed analysis was done for the first ten consecutive patients in whom the PET-CT-GTV was smaller than the CT-GTV. Theoretical radiation treatment plans were constructed based on both CT-GTV and PET-CT-GTV. Dose-volume histograms for the planning target volume (PTV), for the total lung volume and the lung volume receiving more than 20 Gy (V(lung(20))), were calculated. RESULTS: Data from 988 assessed LN stations were available. In the subgroup of 73 patients with CT or PET positive LN's, tumour coverage improved from 75% when the CT-GTV was used to 89% with the PET-CT-GTV (P=0.005). In 45 patients (62%) the information obtained from PET would have led to a change of the treatment volumes. For the ten patients in the dosimetry study, the use of PET-CT to define the GTV, resulted in an average reduction of the PTV by 29+/-18% (+/-1 SD) (P=0.002) and of the V(lung(20)) of 27+/-18% (+/-1 SD) (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with NSCLC considered for curative radiation treatment, assessment of locoregional LN tumour extension by PET will improve tumour coverage, and in selected patients, will reduce the volume of normal tissues irradiated, and thus toxicity. This subgroup of patients could then become candidates for treatment intensification.     

Impact of FDG-PET on radiation therapy volume delineation in non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: Locoregional failure remains a significant problem for patients receiving definitive radiation therapy alone or combined with chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Positron emission tomography (PET) with [(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) has proven to be a valuable diagnostic and staging tool for NSCLC. This prospective study was performed to determine the impact of treatment simulation with FDG-PET and CT on radiation therapy target volume definition and toxicity profiles by comparison to simulation with computed tomography (CT) scanning alone. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with Stages I-III NSCLC were studied. Each patient underwent sequential CT and FDG-PET simulation on the same day. Immobilization devices used for both simulations included an alpha cradle, a flat tabletop, 6 external fiducial markers, and a laser positioning system. A radiation therapist participated in both simulations to reproduce the treatment setup. Both the CT and fused PET/CT image data sets were transferred to the radiation treatment planning workstation for contouring. Each FDG-PET study was reviewed with the interpreting nuclear radiologist before tumor volumes were contoured. The fused PET/CT images were used to develop the three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) plan. A second physician, blinded to the results of PET, contoured the gross tumor volumes (GTV) and planning target volumes (PTV) from the CT data sets, and these volumes were used to generate mock 3DCRT plans. The PTV was defined by a 10-mm margin around the GTV. The two 3DCRT plans for each patient were compared with respect to the GTV, PTV, mean lung dose, volume of normal lung receiving > or =20 Gy (V20), and mean esophageal dose. RESULTS: The FDG-PET findings altered the AJCC TNM stage in 8 of 26 (31%) patients; 2 patients were diagnosed with metastatic disease based on FDG-PET and received palliative radiation therapy. Of the 24 patients who were planned with 3DCRT, PET clearly altered the radiation therapy volume in 14 (58%), as follows. PET helped to distinguish tumor from atelectasis in all 3 patients with atelectasis. Unsuspected nodal disease was detected by PET in 10 patients, and 1 patient had a separate tumor focus detected within the same lobe of the lung. Increases in the target volumes led to increases in the mean lung dose, V20, and mean esophageal dose. Decreases in the target volumes in the patients with atelectasis led to decreases in these normal-tissue toxicity parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation targeting with fused FDG-PET and CT images resulted in alterations in radiation therapy planning in over 50% of patients by comparison with CT targeting. The increasing availability of integrated PET/CT units will facilitate the use of this technology for radiation treatment planning. A confirmatory multicenter, cooperative group trial is planned within the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group.     

The impact of (18)FDG-PET on target and critical organs in CT-based treatment planning of patients with poorly defined non-small-cell lung carcinoma: a prospective study

PURPOSE: To prospectively study the impact of coregistering (18)F-fluoro-deoxy-2-glucose hybrid positron emission tomographic (FDG-PET) images with CT images on the planning target volume (PTV), target coverage, and critical organ dose in radiation therapy planning of non-small-cell lung carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty patients with poorly defined tumors on CT, referred for radical radiation therapy, underwent both FDG-PET and CT simulation procedures on the same day, in radiation treatment position. Image sets were coregistered using external fiducial markers. Three radiation oncologists independently defined the gross tumor volumes, using first CT data alone and then coregistered CT and FDG-PET data. Standard margins were applied to each gross tumor volume to generate a PTV, and standardized treatment plans were designed and calculated for each PTV. Dose-volume histograms were used to evaluate the relative effect of FDG information on target coverage and on normal tissue dose. RESULTS: In 7 of 30 (23%) cases, FDG-PET information changed management strategy from radical to palliative. In 5 of the remaining 23 (22%) cases, new FDG-avid nodes were found within 5 cm of the primary tumor and were included in the PTV. The PTV defined using coregistered CT and FDG-PET would have been poorly covered by the CT-based treatment plan in 17--29% of cases, depending on the physician, implying a geographic miss had only CT information been available. The effect of FDG-PET on target definition varied with the physician, leading to a reduction in PTV in 24-70% of cases and an increase in 30-76% of cases. The relative change in PTV ranged from 0.40 to 1.86. On average, FDG-PET information led to a reduction in spinal cord dose but not in total lung dose, although large differences in dose to the lung were seen for a few individuals. CONCLUSION: The coregistration of planning CT and FDG-PET images made significant alterations to patient management and to the PTV. Ultimately, changes to the PTV resulted in changes to the radiation treatment plans for the majority of cases. Where possible, we would recommend that FDG-PET data be integrated into treatment planning of non-small-cell lung carcinoma, particularly for three-dimensional conformal techniques.     

PET/CT对非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗中治疗计划参数的影响

目的:观察PET/CT对非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)中治疗计划参数的影响.方法:对83例在PET/CT定位下拟行根治性3D-CRT的NSCLC患者,分别以CT图像和PET/CT融合图像勾画大体肿瘤靶区(GTVCT和GTVPET/CT),分别制定放疗计划,并对两者进行比较.结果:PET/CT明显改变44例(53.01％)患者GTV或PTV,31例PTV和(或)GTV减小,13例PTV和(或)GTV增加.根据PET/CT和CT分别制定的放疗计划在VGTV、VE50、SCM和ESM的差异有统计学意义,P值分别为0.001、0.001、0.000和0.002.结论:应用PET/CT制定NSCLC3D-CRT治疗计划可降低食管和脊髓的受照射剂量,从而有利于放疗剂量的提升.     

PET-CT在局部晚期非小细胞肺癌调强放疗靶区勾画中的应用及其影响

目的 探讨局部晚期非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）调强适形放疗（IMRT）中应用PET-CT融合图像勾画靶区对靶体积及正常肺组织受照剂量的影响。方法 随机选择30例临床分期为ⅢA、ⅢB期的初治NSCLC患者,分别依据单纯增强CT图像和同一固定体位下PET-CT与CT融合后的图像勾画靶区和危及器官。分别比较两种影像资料下所勾画的肿瘤靶区（GTV）、临床靶区（PTV）体积;在PTV的处方剂量达60 Gy/30次时,比较两组放疗计划中双肺的肺受照5 Gy以上剂量的肺体积（V5）、肺受照20 Gy以上剂量的肺体积（V20）及肺受照射的平均剂量（MLD）。结果 30例患者在PET-CT融合组中勾画的GTV体积为（248.39±94.80）cm3,低于单纯CT组的（311.22±99.16）cm3,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。在GTV的基础上外扩得到PTV,30例患者在PET-CT融合组中的PTV体积为（356.68±92.73）cm3,低于单纯CT组的（433.58±107.89）cm3,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）。PTV处方剂量达到60 Gy/30次时,30例患者在PET-CT融合组中双肺V5、V20、MLD分别为（51.26±10.50）％、（25.71±5.17）％、（1595.27±148.24）cGy,均低于单纯CT组的（56.41±9.55）％、（29.09±4.10）％、（1693.59±100.60）cGy,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 应用PET-CT融合图像勾画靶区能提高靶区勾画的精确性,改善靶体积并降低正常肺组织的照射剂量。     

Potential for reduced toxicity and dose escalation in the treatment of inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer: a comparison of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), 3D conformal radiation, and elective nodal irradiation

PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate four different techniques of radiation therapy (RT) used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer and to determine their efficacy in meeting multiple normal-tissue constraints while maximizing tumor coverage and achieving dose escalation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Treatment planning was performed for 18 patients with Stage I to IIIB inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer using four different RT techniques to treat the primary lung tumor +/- the hilar/mediastinal lymph nodes: (1) Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), (2) Optimized three-dimensional conformal RT (3D-CRT) using multiple beam angles, (3) Limited 3D-CRT using only 2 to 3 beams, and (4) Traditional RT using elective nodal irradiation (ENI) to treat the mediastinum. All patients underwent virtual simulation, including a CT scan and (18)fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan, fused to the CT to create a composite tumor volume. For IMRT and 3D-CRT, the target included the primary tumor and regional nodes either > or =1.0 cm in short-axis dimension on CT or with increased uptake on PET. For ENI, the target included the primary tumor plus the ipsilateral hilum and mediastinum from the inferior head of the clavicle to at least 5.0 cm below the carina. The goal was to deliver 70 Gy to > or =99% of the planning target volume (PTV) in 35 daily fractions (46 Gy to electively treated mediastinum) while meeting multiple normal-tissue dose constraints. Heterogeneity correction was applied to all dose calculations (maximum allowable heterogeneity within PTV 30%). Pulmonary and esophageal constraints were as follows: lung V(20) < or =25%, mean lung dose < or =15 Gy, esophagus V(50) < or =25%, mean esophageal dose < or =25 Gy. At the completion of all planning, the four techniques were contrasted for their ability to achieve the set dose constraints and deliver tumoricidal RT doses. RESULTS: Requiring a minimum dose of 70 Gy within the PTV, we found that IMRT was associated with a greater degree of heterogeneity within the target and, correspondingly, higher mean doses and tumor control probabilities (TCPs), 7%-8% greater than 3D-CRT and 14%-16% greater than ENI. Comparing the treatment techniques in this manner, we found only minor differences between 3D-CRT and IMRT, but clearly greater risks of pulmonary and esophageal toxicity with ENI. The mean lung V(20) was 36% with ENI vs. 23%-25% with the three other techniques, whereas the average mean lung dose was approximately 21.5 Gy (ENI) vs. 15.5 Gy (others). Similarly, the mean esophagus V(50) was doubled with ENI, to 34% rather than 15%-18%. To account for differences in heterogeneity, we also compared the techniques giving each plan a tumor control probability equivalent to that of the optimized 3D-CRT plan delivering 70 Gy. Using this method, IMRT and 3D-CRT offered similar results in node-negative cases (mean lung and esophageal normal-tissue complication probability [NTCP] of approximately 10% and 2%-7%, respectively), but ENI was distinctly worse (mean NTCPs of 29% and 20%). In node-positive cases, however, IMRT reduced the lung V(20) and mean dose by approximately 15% and lung NTCP by 30%, compared to 3D-CRT. Compared to ENI, the reductions were 50% and >100%. Again, for node-positive cases, especially where the gross tumor volume was close to the esophagus, IMRT reduced the mean esophagus V(50) by 40% (vs. 3D-CRT) to 145% (vs. ENI). The esophageal NTCP was at least doubled converting from IMRT to 3D-CRT and tripled converting from IMRT to ENI. Finally, the total number of fractions for each plan was increased or decreased until all outlined normal-tissue constraints were reached/satisfied. While meeting all constraints, IMRT or 3D-CRT increased the deliverable dose in node-negative patients by >200% over ENI. In node-positive patients, IMRT increased the deliverable dose 25%-30% over 3D-CRT and 130%-140% over ENI. The use of 3D-CRT without IMRT increased the deliverable RT dose >80% over ENI. Using a limited number of 3D-CRT beams decreased the lung V(20), mean dose, and NTCP in node-positive patients. CONCLUSION: The use of 3D-CRT, particul mean dose, and NTCP in node-positive patients.The use of 3D-CRT, particularly with only 3 to 4 beam angles, has the ability to reduce normal-tissue toxicity, but has limited potential for dose escalation beyond the current standard in node-positive patients. IMRT is of limited additional value (compared to 3D-CRT) in node-negative cases, but is beneficial in node-positive cases and in cases with target volumes close to the esophagus. When meeting all normal-tissue constraints in node-positive patients, IMRT can deliver RT doses 25%-30% greater than 3D-CRT and 130%-140% greater than ENI. Whereas the possibility of dose escalation is severely limited with ENI, the potential for pulmonary and esophageal toxicity is clearly increased.     

增强CT定位对非小细胞肺癌三维适形放疗计划参数的影响

[目的]观察非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)中增强CT定位对放疗计划参数的影响.[方法]对97例在CT定位下拟行根治性3D-CRT的NSCLC患者,分别以CT平扫图像、增强CT图像勾画大体肿瘤靶区 (GTVCT和GTVCT+),分别制定放疗计划.[结果]增强CT明显改变35例(36.1％)患者PTV和/或GTV.增强CT组与平扫CT组的计划参数GTV的体积(VGTV)、受照射量≥45Gy的食管占全食管体积的比例(VE45)和脊髓最大受照射剂量(SCM)差异有统计学意义(P均＜0.001).[结论]利用增强CT定位能更加准确地确定靶区,据此制定3D-CRT 可更优的覆盖靶区,降低脊髓、食管的受照射剂量.     

A study of the effects of internal organ motion on dose escalation in conformal prostate treatments.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the effect of internal organ motion on the dose distributions and biological indices for the target and non-target organs for three different conformal prostate treatment techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined three types of treatment plans in 20 patients: (1) a six field plan, with a prescribed dose of 75.6 Gy; (2) the same six field plan to 72 Gy followed by a boost to 81 Gy; and (3) a five field plan with intensity modulated beams delivering 81 Gy. Treatment plans were designed using an initial CT data set (planning) and applied to three subsequent CT scans (treatment). The treatment CT contours were used to represent patient specific organ displacement; in addition, the dose distribution was convolved with a Gaussian distribution to model random setup error. Dose-volume histograms were calculated using an organ deformation model in which the movement between scans of individual points interior to the organs was tracked and the dose accumulated. The tumor control probability (TCP) for the prostate and proximal half of seminal vesicles (clinical target volume, CTV), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for the rectum and the percent volume of bladder wall receiving at least 75 Gy were calculated. RESULTS: The patient averaged increase in the planned TCP between plan types 2 and 1 and types 3 and 1 was 9.8% (range 4.9-12.5%) for both, whereas the corresponding increases in treatment TCP were 9.0% (1.3-16%) and 8.1% (-1.3-13.8%). In all patients, plans 2 and 3 (81 Gy) exhibited equal or higher treatment TCP than plan 1 (75.6 Gy). The maximum treatment NTCP for rectum never exceeded the planning constraint and percent volume of bladder wall receiving at least 75 Gy was similar in the planning and treatment scans for all three plans. CONCLUSION: For plans that deliver a uniform prescribed dose to the planning target volume (PTV) (plan 1), current margins are adequate. In plans that further escalate the dose to part of the PTV (plans 2 and 3), in a fraction of the cases the CTV dose increase is less than planned, yet in all cases the TCP values are higher relative to the uniform dose PTV (plan 1). Doses to critical organs remain within the planning criteria.     

术后复发性食管癌18^FDG PET/CT定位三维适形放疗的疗效分析

目的：对比研究18^FDG PET/CT定位三维适形常规分割放疗术后复发性食管癌的疗效、副反应及失败原因。方法：对58例术后复发性食管鳞癌患者用信封法随机分为18 FDG PET/CT定位三维适形放疗组（PET/CT组）和普通CT定位三维适形放疗组（普通CT组）。PET/CT组用PET/CT扫描定位,经PET/CT扫描后将扫描数据输入治疗计划系统,将PET图像和CT图像融合后进行靶区和重要脏器勾画、三维重建,制定治疗计划后进行常规分割三维适形放疗40Gy左右,然后适当缩野针对残存肿瘤病灶放疗至总剂量60Gy-70Gy;普通CT组用普通CT定位设野,三维适形放疗至相同剂量。结果：PET/CT组的平均GTV与PTV体积、左肺、右肺、心脏、胸胃、脊髓照射体积均比普通CT组小（P均〈0.05）;PET/CT组和普通CT组的1、2、3年生存率分别为93.0%、59.9%、20.4%和86.7%、54.6%、20.9%（P均〈0.01）;PET/CT组早期气管、食管、胃肠道、肺的1、2级副反应均低于普通CT组（P均〈0.05）;卡氏评分高、进食情况良好、病变长度≤5cm、标准摄入值低的病变预后较好。结论：PET/CT定位三维适形放疗术后复发性食管癌可以优化放疗计划,减轻正常组织的放射副反应,早期病变预后好。     

18FDG] PET-CT-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy treatment planning of head and neck cancer

PURPOSE: To define the best threshold for tumor volume delineation of the (18) fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG-PET) signal for radiotherapy treatment planning of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in head and neck cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In 25 patients with head-and-neck cancer, CT-based gross tumor volume (GTV(CT)) was delineated. After PET-CT image fusion, window level (L) was adapted to best fit the GTV(CT), and GTV(PET) was delineated. Tumor maximum (S) and background uptake (B) were measured, and the threshold of the background-subtracted tumor maximum uptake (THR) was used for PET signal segmentation. Gross tumor volumes were expanded to planning target volumes (PTVs) and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean value of S was 40 kBq/mL, S/B ratio was 16, and THR was 26%. The THR correlated with S (r = -0.752), but no correlation between THR and the S/B ratio was seen (r = -0.382). In 77% of cases, S was >30 kBq/mL, and in 23% it was 30% +/- 1.6% kBq/mL and 40% in tumors with S 相似文献   

PET-CT图像融合在食管癌精确放疗中的应用

目的探讨PET-CT融合图像勾画靶区的食管癌三维适形放疗计划的优势。方法对16例食管癌病例分别进行CT、PET同机扫描,图像重建后传输至三维治疗计划系统(3D-Treatment planning system,TPS),进行自动图像融合,由同一临床医师分别在CT、PET-CT融合图像上勾画出,同一物理师分别设计优化TPS计划,给予常规处方剂量2.0Gy×30次,每个计划采用5个方向照射野来实现较好的靶区剂量分布,并达到周围正常组织保护的目的。计算各计划的靶区体积并显示剂量体积直方图(dose-volume histogram,DVH),比较2个计划的全肺平均受量(mean lung dose,MLD)、双肺受照超过20Gy的体积占全肺体积的百分比(V20)、气管平均受量、心脏平均受量、脊髓最大受量。结果CT勾画的GTV体积均值为67.10cm3,大于PET-CT融合图像下勾划的GTV均值60.82cm3,包括MLD、全肺V20、气管平均受量、心脏平均受量、脊髓最大受量在内的各项DVH参数的比较显示,均以PET-CT勾画靶区的计划明显优于CT勾画靶区的计划。结论PET-CT图像融合基础上勾画靶区制定放疗计划,可更有效的保护周围正常组织和器官。     

PET-CT在局部晚期非小细胞肺癌调强放疗中的应用

目的 探讨PET-CT对局部晚期非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）临床分期的诊断及其融合图像下勾画靶区对调强放疗计划的影响。方法 对13例局部晚期NSCLC患者同一体位分别进行增强CT和PET同机扫描,图像重建后传输至三维治疗计划系统（3D-TPS）进行自动图像融合。PET-CT下诊断患者的分期;分别在CT、PET-CT融合图像上勾画靶区,设计放疗计划。患者均采用5野调强放疗,常规处方剂量60Gy／30f。比较两个计划的V20、全肺平均受量（MLD）、心脏平均受量、脊髓最大受量。结果 5例患者分期改变：3例升高,2例下降;CT下勾画靶区GTV、PTV分别为（159.35±84.44）cm3 、（442.12±172.57）cm3,显著高于PET-CT下勾画的GTV和PTV［（148.22±75.08）cm3 、（428.64±157.91）cm3］; PET CT下计划的全肺V20、MLD、心脏平均受量、脊髓最大受量等各项剂量学参数均优于CT下的计划（P＜0.05）。结论 PET-CT较CT更有利于局部晚期NSCLC放疗靶区的勾画,可以更好地保护周围正常组织和器官。