Evaluation of normal tissue exposure in patients receiving radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer based on RTOG 0848

Background

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is utilized in many cases to improve locoregional control; however, toxicities associated with radiation can be significant given the location of the pancreas. RTOG 0848 seeks to evaluate chemoradiation using either intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or 3D conformal photon radiotherapy (3DCRT) modalities as an adjuvant treatment. The purpose of this study is to quantify the dosimetric changes seen when using IMRT or 3D CRT photon modalities, as well as proton radiotherapy, in patients receiving CRT for cancer of the pancreas treated per RTOG 0848 guidelines.

Materials

Ten patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma treated between 2010 and 2013 were evaluated in this study. All patients were simulated with contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Separate treatment plans using IMRT and 3DCRT as well as proton radiotherapy were created for each patient. All planning volumes were created per RTOG 0848 protocol. Dose-volume histograms (DVH) were calculated and analyzed in order to compare plans between the three modalities. The organs at risk (OAR) evaluated in this study are the kidneys, liver, small bowel, and spinal cord.

Results

There was no difference between the IMRT and 3DCRT plans in dose delivered to the kidneys, liver, or bowel. The proton radiotherapy plans were found to deliver lower mean total kidney doses, mean liver doses, and liver D_1/3 compared to the IMRT plans. The proton plans also gave less mean liver dose, liver D_1/3, bowel V₁₅, and bowel V₅₀ in comparison to the 3DCRT.

Conclusions

For patients receiving radiotherapy per ongoing RTOG 0848 for pancreatic cancer, there was no significant difference in normal tissue sparing between IMRT and 3DCRT treatment planning. Therefore, the choice between the two modalities should not be a confounding factor in this study. The proton plans also demonstrated improved OAR sparing compared to both IMRT and 3DCRT treatment plans.     

Dosimetric evaluation of an ipsilateral intensity modulated radiotherapy beam arrangement for parotid malignancies

Background

We conducted a dosimetric comparison of an ipsilateral beam arrangement for intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with off-axis beams.

Patients and methods

Six patients who received post-operative radiotherapy (RT) for parotid malignancies were used in this dosimetric study. Four treatment plans were created for each CT data set (24 plans): 1) ipsilateral 4-field off-axis IMRT (4fld-OA), 2) conventional wedge pair (WP), 3) 7 field co-planar IMRT (7fld), and 4) ipsilateral co-planar 4-field quartet IMRT (4fld-CP). Dose, volume statistics for the planning target volumes (PTVs) and planning risk volumes (PRVs) were compared for the four treatment techniques.

Results

Wedge pair plans inadequately covered the deep aspect of the PTV. The 7-field IMRT plans delivered the largest low dose volumes to normal tissues. Mean dose to the contralateral parotid was highest for 7 field IMRT. Mean dose to the contralateral submandibular gland was highest for 7 field IMRT and WP. 7 field IMRT plans had the highest dose to the oral cavity. The mean doses to the brainstem, spinal cord, ipsilateral temporal lobe, cerrebellum and ipsilateral cochlea were similar among the four techniques.

Conclusions

For postoperative treatment of the parotid bed, 4-field ipsilateral IMRT techniques provided excellent coverage while maximally sparing the contralateral parotid gland and submandibular gland.     

Comparison of dosimetric parameters and acute toxicity of intensity-modulated and three-dimensional radiotherapy in patients with cervix carcinoma: A randomized prospective study

PurposeThe use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to treat cervix carcinoma has increased, however prospective randomized trials are still lacking.AimTo compare the dosimetric parameters and associated acute toxicity in patients with cervix carcinoma treated with three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy and IMRT.Patients and methodsForty patients were randomized in two arms each consisting of 20 patients. Patients in both arms received concurrent chemoradiation (cisplatin 40 mg/m² weekly; 50 Gy/25 fractions). Patients were treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy in one arm and with IMRT in another arm. After external beam radiotherapy, all patients received brachytherapy (21 Gy/3 fractions at weekly interval). For dosimetric comparison, both kinds of the plans were done for all the patients. All patients were assessed throughout and until 90 days after completion of treatment for acute gastrointestinal, genitourinary and hematologic toxicities.ResultsBoth plans achieved adequate planning target volume coverage, while mean conformity index was found significantly better in IMRT plans (P-value = 0.001). D₃₅ (dose to 35% volume) and D₅₀ for bladder was reduced by 14.62 and 32.57% and for rectum by 23.82 and 43.68% in IMRT. For IMRT, V₄₅ (volume receiving 45 Gy) of bowel were found significantly lesser (P-value = 0.0001), non-tumour integral dose was found significantly higher (P-value = 0.0240) and V₂₀ of bone marrow was found significantly reduced (P-value = 0.019) in comparison to that in 3D conformal radiotherapy. Significant reduction of grade 2 or more (20 vs 45%; P-value = 0.058) and grade ≥ 3 (5 vs 15%, P-value = 0.004) acute genitourinary toxicity and grade 2 or more (20 vs 45%, P-value = 0.003) and grade 3 or more (5 vs. 20%, P-value = 0.004) acute gastrointestinal toxicity while no significant difference for grade 2 and 3 or more haematological toxicity was noted in patients treated with IMRT compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy.ConclusionIMRT provide a good alternative for treatment of cervix carcinoma with lower acute gastrointestinal and acute genitourinary toxicity with similar target coverage compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy.     

Target volume definition for head and neck intensity modulated radiotherapy: pre-clinical evaluation of PARSPORT trial guidelines

AimsThere is considerable controversy surrounding target volume definition for parotid-sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric and radiobiological predictors of outcome anticipated by application of the detailed target volume definition guidelines agreed for the UK multicentre randomised controlled trial of parotid-sparing IMRT (PARSPORT).Materials and methodsFive patients eligible for the study were delineated using the trial guidelines. Following the protocol, plans were produced to treat these volumes with three-dimensional radiotherapy (control arm) and IMRT aimed to spare dose to the contralateral parotid gland (experimental arm). Dosimetric comparisons were made between plans, and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) modelling for salivary glands was carried out.ResultsDoses delivered to the planning target volumes (PTV) were similar with each technique, although IMRT produced more homogeneous irradiation of the PTV. Mean doses to the contralateral parotid gland were 22.4 ± 1.7 Gy with the IMRT plans vs 60.0 ± 7.2 Gy with three-dimensional radiotherapy, P = 0.0003. Calculated contralateral parotid gland NTCP values for grade 2 xerostomia were 20–22% for IMRT and 98–100% for three-dimensional radiotherapy (P < 0.0001).ConclusionPre-clinical evaluation of the PARSPORT trial target volume definition guidelines provides theoretical support for a significant reduction in xerostomia rates. These data await confirmation from the clinical trial results.     

乳腺癌根治术后 VMAT技术对心脏受照剂量风险评估

目的：分析乳腺癌根治术后VMAT技术对心脏的物理剂量学和生物学的指标,评估心脏的受照风险。方法随机选取10例左侧乳腺癌根治术后患者,设计4种常用计划：①改良野中野调强计划FIF（8～10个子野）;②四野调强计划4F-IMRT;③五野（增加正对心脏射野）计划5F-IMRT;④包含心脏正对弧双弧VMAT计划。统计每个患者靶区、心脏和冠状动脉左前降支区LAD剂量体积参数,用NTCP-RSM模型计算放射性心脏病死亡率。统计分析VMAT技术的结果与其余技术之间的差异。结果患者心脏Dmean和V25在4种计划下平均值分别是：7．7 Gy,6．9 Gy,9．7 cGy,6．4 Gy;9．1％,7．9％,9．7％,4．9％;LAD的平均剂量分别是29．0 Gy,27．6 Gy,32．8 Gy,26．1 Gy;NTCP的平均值分别为2．7％,1．1％,1．3％,0．86％。靶区CI四套计划平均值为：0．44、0．56、0．61、0．71,HI为0．82、0．78、0．70、0．53,VMAT技术的CI和HI结果与另外3种的结果有统计学差异（ P＜0．05）。结论与常规调强技术相比,包含心脏正对弧的VMAT计划不会显著影响心脏的并发症概率（ NTCP）,同时VMAT计划靶区的CI、HI要优于静态IMRT计划,VMAT技术可以在提高靶区剂量的同时不明显增加心脏的受照风险。     

Optimal Target Delineation and Treatment Techniques in the Era of Conformal Photon and Proton Breast and Regional Nodal Irradiation

PurposeRegional nodal irradiation improves disease-free and distant disease–free survival in patients with high-risk breast cancer (BC). Trials demonstrating this used 2- or 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (2-dimensional or 3-dimensional [3D] conformal radiotherapy [CRT]) fields based on bony anatomy. Modern volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and pencil beam scanning proton therapy (PBSPT) may underdose regional nodes (RNs) not contoured but covered by 3D CRT. Multiple atlases guide modern treatment planning. This study addresses the risk of underdosing when relying on published atlases and treating with 3D CRT, VMAT, and PBSPT.Methods and MaterialsTargets per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), and Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness Consortium (RADCOMP) atlases were contoured on a representative patient CT scan. 3D CRT plans based on anatomic borders and VMAT and PBSPT plans for each set of target volumes were generated. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scans were reviewed. CT-positive and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG)–avid RNs (n = 389) were mapped from 102 patients with locally advanced (n = 51; median 2; range, 1-8 nodes) and metastatic (n = 51; median 4; range, 1-19 nodes) BC: axillary (AX; n = 284), supraclavicular (SCV; n = 60), and internal mammary nodal (IMN; n = 45). ¹⁸F-FDG-avid RNs falling within the 95% isodose line were considered adequately covered.Results3D CRT plans provided excellent RN coverage. Low AX nodes were covered (≥99%) in all plans. Underdosing of ¹⁸F-FDG–avid RNs falling in the high AX (78%-92%), SCV (52%-75%), and IMN (84%-89%) volumes was observed following the RTOG and ESTRO atlases for VMAT and PBSPT plans. Use of the RADCOMP atlas provided coverage of these areas (89%-100%) with slightly increased heart and lung doses. Atlas guided VMAT/PBSPT plans provided cumulative nodal coverage as follows: ESTRO (89%/88%), RTOG (93%/91%), and RADCOMP (98%/96%).ConclusionsVMAT and PBSPT for regional nodal irradiation in patients with high-risk BC risks underdosage in the high AX, SCV, and IMN nodal regions unless comprehensive target delineation is performed.     

食管癌VMAT与IMRT的剂量学比较

目的 比较食管癌VMAT与静态IMRT的剂量学差异,探索VMAT的可行性。     

鼻咽癌IMRT和VMAT计划对机器跳数和MLC误差剂量学敏感度对比研究

目的 模拟机器跳数(MU)和多叶准直器(MLC)叶片位置在计划执行时可能产生的系统误差,检测并分析鼻咽癌静态IMRT和VMAT计划对上述误差的剂量学敏感度。方法 选取5例已行IMRT的鼻咽癌计划,在相同物理参数的基础上重新制定VMAT计划,修改两组计划的MU,引入1.25%、2.50%、5.00%系统误差;同时修改计划的MLC原始文件,引入0.25、0.50、1.00、1.50、2.00 mm系统误差,模拟治疗计划执行过程中可能出现的叶片不到位情况。其中MLC系统误差的运动方式为两侧MLC叶片朝同个方向运动和两侧MLC叶片朝相反方向运动(射野外扩或内收)。采用线性回归分析法计算并比较IMRT和VMAT计划相对于MU和MLC系统误差的剂量学敏感度差异。结果 随着MU系统误差增加,IMRT和VMAT计划的靶区和OAR受量呈线性增加,且满足R²=0.992~1(P<0.05);对于MLC的误差,IMRT和VMAT计划的靶区和OAR相应剂量学参数的偏移误差引起的敏感度最小,分别为-0.26%/mm和-0.65%/mm;其次是外扩误差4.87%/mm和8.68%/mm,最大的是内收误差-6.04%/mm和-9.88%/mm。此外,3种类型误差中VMAT计划由误差引起的剂量学敏感度大于IMRT计划。结论 MU和MLC的系统误差对鼻咽癌IMRT计划的剂量分布有显著影响,尤其是VMAT计划。做好加速器MLC的日常QA工作对更好、更精确地实施放疗计划有着重要的意义。     

Single arc volumetric modulated arc therapy for complex brain gliomas: is there an advantage as compared to intensity modulated radiotherapy or by adding a partial arc?

The objective of this study was to determine if volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) offers advantages over intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for complex brain gliomas and evaluate the role of an additional partial arc. Twelve patients with glioma involving critical organs at risk (OAR) were selected [six low grade brainstem glioma (BG) and six glioblastoma (GB) cases]. BGs were prescribed 54 Gy/30 fractions (frx), and GB treated to 50 Gy/30 frx to a lower dose PTV (PTV50) with a simultaneous integrated boost delivering a total dose of 60 Gy/30?frx to a higher dose PTV (PTV60). VMAT was planned with a single arc (VMAT1) and with an additional coplanar partial arc spanning 90° (VMAT2). We observed VMATI improving the PTV equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for BG cases (p=0.027), improving the V95 for the PTV50 in GB cases (p=0.026) and resulting in more conformal GB plans (p=0.008) as compare to IMRT. However, for the GB PTV60, IMRT achieved favorable V95 over VMAT1 and VMAT2 (0.0046 and 0.008, respectively). The GB total integral dose (ID) was significantly lower with VMAT1 and VMAT2 (p=0.049 and p=0.006, respectively). Both VMAT1 and VMAT2 reduced the ID, however, only at the 5 Gy threshold for BG cases (p=0.011 and 0.005, respectively). VMAT achieved a lower spinal cord maximum dose and EUD for BG cases and higher optic nerve doses, otherwise no significant differences were observed. VMAT1 yielded the fastest treatment times and least MU. We conclude that VMAT offers faster treatment delivery for complex brain tumors while maintaining similar dosimetric qualities to IMRT. Selective dosimetric advantages in terms of spinal cord sparing and lowering the ID are observed favoring the use of an additional coplanar partial arc.     

A Dosimetric and Radiobiological Comparison of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy,Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and Helical Tomotherapy Planning Techniques in Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer

Objective: The present investigation intends to identify the optimal radiotherapy treatment plan for synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) using dosimetric and radiobiological indexes for three techniques, namely, helical tomotherapy (HT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods: Twenty SBBC treated female patients treatment planning data (average age of 52.5 years) were used as the sample for the present study. Three different plans were created using 50 Gy in a 25 fraction dose regime. Poisson, Niemierko, and LKB models were applied for calculating normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and tumour control probability (TCP). Result: The target average dose comparison between IMRT with HT and VMAT with HT was highly substantial (P=0.001). The percentage of TCP for IMRT, VMAT, and HT in the Poisson model were 93.70±0.28, 94.68±0.30, and 94.34±0.57, respectively (p<0.05). The dose maximum was lower for the whole lung in the HT plan, with an average dose of 49.31Gy±3.9 (p<0.009). The NTCP values of both Niemierko and LKB models were lower for the heart, lungs, and liver for the IMRT plan. Conclusion: The sparing of organs at risk was higher in the HT plan dosimetrically, and the TCP was higher in the three techniques. The comparison between the three techniques shows that the IMRT and HT techniques could be considered for treating SBBC.     

Dosimetric Comparison between Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy and 3 Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Rectal Cancer

Objective: To compare dosimetric parameters of 3 dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3 DCRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in terms of target coverage and doses to organs at risk (OAR) in the management of rectal carcinoma. Methods: In this prospective study, conducted between August 2014 and March 2016, all patients underwent CT simulation along with a bladder protocol and target contouring according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) guidelines. Two plans were made for each patient (3 DCRT and IMRT) for comparison of target coverage and OAR. Result: A total of 43 patients were recruited into this study. While there were no significant differences in mean Planning Target Volume (PTV) D95% and mean PTV D98% between 3 DCRT and IMRT, mean PTV D2% and mean PTV D50% were significantly higher in 3 DCRT plans. Compared to IMRT, 3 DCRT resulted in significantly higher volumes of hot spots, lower volumes of cold spots, and higher doses to the entire OAR. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that IMRT achieves superior normal tissue avoidance (bladder and bowel) compared to 3 DCRT, with comparable target dose coverage.     

Radiation dose to the low axilla in patients treated for early-stage breast cancer by locoregional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

PurposeTo determine the dose received by the low axilla during locoregional radiotherapy (RT) for early-stage breast cancer and to assess the impact of the treatment technique (three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or rotational IMRT (VMAT) or helical tomotherapy (HT).Materials and methodsThe dosimetric study was performed on patients receiving normofractionated (NFRT - 50 Gy in 25 fractions) or hypofractionated (HFRT - 40 Gy in 15 fractions) locoregional radiotherapy (breast or chest wall and internal mammary, supraclavicular and infraclavicular nodes ± axillary nodes) by 3D-CRT or VMAT or HT at the Institut Curie Paris. Patients treated by breast-conserving surgery received a boost dose of 16 Gy and 10 Gy to the tumour bed, respectively.ResultsSixty-eight patients treated by RT from February 2017 to January 2019 were studied. The mean dose received by the low axilla when it was not part of the target volume was 30.8 Gy, 41.0 Gy and 44.4 Gy by 3D-CRT, VMAT and HT, respectively for NFRT and 24.2 Gy, 33.0 Gy and 34.9 Gy, respectively, for HFRT. With NFRT, 4.1% of the axilla received 95% (V95) of the prescribed dose by 3D-CRT compared to 24.5% and 33.6% by VMAT and HT, respectively; with HFRT, V95 was 3.9%, 19.5% and 24.1%, respectively.ConclusionThe axilla receives a non-negligible dose during locoregional radiotherapy; this dose is greater when VMAT or HT are used. Prospective studies must be conducted to assess the impact of this axillary dose in terms of morbidity, which currently remains unknown.     

基于经验计划的VMAT和IMRT模型预测前列腺IMRT剂量分布的对比研究

目的:比较基于知识计划(KBP)的容积调强弧形治疗(VMAT)模型和固定野调强放疗(IMRT)模型预测前列腺IMRT计划的剂量学差异,探讨利用VMAT模型预测IMRT计划的可行性。方法:选取已完成放疗的前列腺癌病例50例,每个病例分别设计VMAT和IMRT计划。随机选取40个病例的VMAT计划和IMRT计划作为训练样本...     

Rectal dose reduction with IMRT for prostate radiotherapy

Dose escalation in radiation therapy has led to increased control rates with some clinical trial evidence that rectal toxicity may be reduced when using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) over 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for dose-escalated prostate radiotherapy. However, IMRT for prostate patients is not yet standard in many Australian radiation oncology centres. This study investigates dosimetric changes that can be observed between IMRT and 3DCRT in prostate radiotherapy. Fifteen patients were selected for analysis. Two target definitions were investigated – prostate-only and prostate plus seminal vesicles (p + SVs). A five-field 3DCRT and seven-field IMRT plan were created for each patient and target definition. The planning target volume coverage was matched for both plans. Doses to the rectum, bladder and femoral heads were compared using dose volume histograms. The rectal normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs) were calculated and compared for the 3DCRT and IMRT plans. The delivery efficiency was investigated. The IMRT plans resulted in reductions in the V25, V50, V60, V70 and V75 Gy values for both the prostate-only and p + SVs targets. Rectal NTCP was reduced with IMRT for three different sets of model parameters. The reductions in rectal dose and NTCP were much larger for the p + SVs target. Delivery of IMRT plans was less efficient than for 3DCRT plans. IMRT resulted in superior plans based on dosimetric and biological endpoints. The dosimetric gains with IMRT were greater for the more complex p + SVs target. The gains made came at the cost of decreased delivery efficiency.     

Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for large brain metastases: Optimizing the dosimetric parameters

PurposeStereotactic radiotherapy plays a major role in the treatment of brain metastases (BM). We aimed to compare the dosimetric results of four plans for hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) for large brain metastases.Material and methodsTen patients treated with upfront NovalisTx® non-coplanar multiple dynamic conformal arcs (DCA) HFSRT for ≥ 25 mm diameter single BM were included. Three other volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans were evaluated: with coplanar arcs (Eclipse®, Varian, VMATc_Eclipse®), with coplanar and non-coplanar arcs (VMATnc_Eclipse®), and with non-coplanar arcs (Elements Cranial SRS®, Brainlab, VMATnc_Elements®). The marginal dose prescribed for the PTV was 23.1 Gy (isodose 70%) in three fractions. The mean GTV was 27 mm³.ResultsBetter conformity indices were found with all VMAT techniques compared to DCA (1.05 vs 1.28, P < 0.05). Better gradient indices were found with VMATnc_Elements® and DCA (2.43 vs 3.02, P < 0.001). High-dose delivery in healthy brain was lower with all VMAT techniques compared to DCA (5.6 to 6.3 cc vs 9.4 cc, P < 0.001). Low-dose delivery (V5 Gy) was lower with VMATnc_Eclipse® or VMATnc_Elements® than with DCA (81 or 94 cc vs 110 cc, P = 0.02).ConclusionsNovalisTx® VMAT HFSRT for ≥ 25 mm diameter brain metastases provides the best dosimetric compromise in terms of target coverage, sparing of healthy brain tissue and low-dose delivery compared to DCA.     

IMRT、VMAT和混合IMRT技术在颅脑多发转移瘤同步加量放疗中的剂量学研究

目的 比较颅脑多发转移瘤同步加量放疗中不同照射技术对靶区和OAR剂量学差异,为其临床放疗技术选择提供数据参考。方法 随机选取本院行全脑同步加量放疗的10例颅脑多发转移瘤患者的定位影像数据,分别设计动态IMRT、双弧VMAT和混合IMRT (Hybrid-IMRT)计划,Hybrid-IMRT计划在适形计划基础上分别进行3野、4野固定野逆向调强叠加优化。行双尾配对Wilcoxon符号秩和检验法比较3类放疗计划在靶区剂量(CI、HI)、OAR受量(D_mean、D_max))的剂量学差异和机器跳数、执行时间方面的差异。结果 VMAT计划颅脑转移灶靶区CI优于IMRT、Hybrid-IMRT计划(P=0.04、0.00),HI差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);IMRT与Hybrid-IMRTCI、HI差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Hybrid-IMRT两种计划中的眼晶状体、眼球受量均低于动态IMRT (P均=0.00),而脑干和视神经的受量在3种技术中均相近(P>0.05)。在机器跳数和执行时间方面VMAT相似文献   

Fitting late rectal bleeding data using different NTCP models: results from an Italian multi-centric study (AIROPROS0101).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent investigations demonstrated a significant correlation between rectal dose-volume patterns and late rectal toxicity. The reduction of the DVH to a value expressing the probability of complication would be suitable. To fit different normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models to clinical outcome on late rectal bleeding after external beam radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Rectal dose-volume histograms of the rectum (DVH) and clinical records of 547 prostate cancer patients (pts) pooled from five institutions previously collected and analyzed were considered. All patients were treated in supine position with 3 or 4-field techniques: 123 patients received an ICRU dose between 64 and 70 Gy, 255 patients between 70 and 74 Gy and 169 patients between 74 and 79.2 Gy; 457/547 patients were treated with conformal RT and 203/547 underwent radical prostatectomy before RT. Minimum follow-up was 18 months. Patients were considered as bleeders if showing grade 2/3 late bleeding (slightly modified RTOG/EORTC scoring system) within 18 months after the end of RT. Four NTCP models were considered: (a) the Lyman model with DVH reduced to the equivalent uniform dose (LEUD, coincident with the classical Lyman-Kutcher-Burman, LKB, model), (b) logistic with DVH reduced to EUD (LOGEUD), (c) Poisson coupled to EUD reduction scheme and (d) relative seriality (RS). The parameters for the different models were fit to the patient data using a maximum likelihood analysis. The 68% confidence intervals (CI) of each parameter were also derived. RESULTS: Forty six out of five hundred and forty seven patients experienced grade 2/3 late bleeding: 38/46 developed rectal bleeding within 18 months and were then considered as bleeders The risk of rectal bleeding can be well calculated with a 'smooth' function of EUD (with a seriality parameter n equal to 0.23 (CI 0.05), best fit result). Using LEUD the relationship between EUD and NTCP can be described with a TD50 of 81.9 Gy (CI 1.8 Gy) and a steepness parameter m of 0.19 (CI 0.01); when using LOGEUD, TD50 is 82.2 Gy and k is 7.85. Best fit parameters for RS are s=0.49, gamma=1.69, TD50=83.1 Gy. Qualitative as well as quantitative comparisons (chi-squared statistics, P=0.005) show that the models fit the observed complication rates very well. The results found in the overall population were substantially confirmed in the subgroup of radically treated patients (LEUD: n=0.24 m=0.14 TD50=75.8 Gy). If considering just the grade 3 bleeders (n=9) the best fit is found in correspondence of a n-value around 0.06, suggesting that for severe bleeding the rectum is more serial. CONCLUSIONS: Different NTCP models fit quite accurately the considered clinical data. The results are consistent with a rectum 'less serial' than previously reported investigations when considering grade 2 bleeding while a more serial behaviour was found for severe bleeding. EUD may be considered as a robust and simple parameter correlated with the risk of late rectal bleeding.     

Dosimetric comparison between IMRT and VMAT in patients undergoing internal mammary lymph node radiotherapy after modified radical mastectomy

Objective To investigate the dosimetric differences in volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy and internal lymph node irradiation after left-sided modified radical mastectomy. Methods VMAT and IMRT radiotherapy plans were established for 20 patients undergoing left-sided modified radical mastectomy. The dosimetric parameters of the target area and organs at risk were calculated by the dose volume histogram. The categorical variables were tested by χ² or Fisher′s exact probability test. The continuous variables with normal distribution were analyzed by paired-t test or rank-sum test. Results Among the two radiotherapy techniques, the homogeneity index of IMRT was significantly higher than that of VMAT (P<0.05). The time of VMAT treatment was significantly shorter than that of IMRT (P<0.01). VMAT was superior to IMRT in V20Gy and V30Gy of the affected lung (both P<0.05). VMAT was superior to IMRT in the left anterior descending coronary artery Dmean, Dmax, and heart V30Gy, V40Gy, Dmean and Dmax(all P<0.01). The esophageal Dmean in the VMAT group was superior to that in the IMRT group (P<0.05). The V5Gy and V10Gy of the contralateral lung and the Dmax of the esophagus in the IMRT group were significantly better compared with those in the VMAT group (all P<0.05). Conclusions VMAT can significantly reduce the dose of the heart, contralateral lung, spinal cord, esophagus and other vital organs, and shorten the treatment time. For patients who need adjuvant radiotherapy and internal mammary lymph node irradiation after left-sided modified radical mastectomy, VMAT technology can better protect normal tissues than IMRT.