Comparison of a simple dose-guided intervention technique for prostate radiotherapy with existing anatomical image guidance methods

Objectives

A simple dose-guided intervention technique for prostate radiotherapy using an isodose overlay method combined with soft-tissue-based corrective couch shifts has been proposed previously. This planning study assesses the potential clinical impact of such a correction strategy.

Methods

10 patients, each with 8–11 on-treatment CT studies (n=97), were assessed using this technique and compared with no intervention, bony anatomy intervention and soft-tissue intervention methods. Each assessment technique used a 4-mm action level for intervention. Outcomes were evaluated using measures of sensitivity, specificity and dosimetric effect, and compared across intervention techniques. Dosimetric effect was defined as the change in dosimetric coverage by the 95% isodose from the no intervention case of an evaluation construct called the verification target volume.

Results

Bony anatomy, soft tissue and dosimetric overlay-based interventions demonstrated sensitivity of 0.56, 0.73 and 1.00 and specificity of 0.64, 0.20 and 0.66, respectively. A detrimental dosimetric effect was shown in 7% of interventions for each technique, with benefit in 30%, 35% and 55% for bony anatomy, soft tissue and dosimetric overlay techniques, respectively.

Conclusion

Used in conjunction with soft-tissue-based corrective couch shifts, the dosimetric overlay technique allows effective filtering out of dosimetrically unnecessary interventions, making it more likely that any intervention made will result in improved target volume coverage.Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) aims to improve treatment delivery accuracy by visualising the patient''s anatomy immediately prior to treatment, comparing this with the localisation data, usually a CT scan, and identifying and compensating for inaccuracies in the set up or target position that would compromise treatment efficacy [1]. In cancer of the prostate, potential inaccuracies include misalignments of the patient, e.g. caused by pelvic rotation or skin drag against the treatment couch, or changes in internal anatomy as a result of motion caused by bladder or rectal filling.Planar megavoltage (MV) imaging using electronic portal imaging devices has long been used to verify bony anatomy position [2] and, in recent years, the increased availability of kilovoltage and three-dimensional MV in-room imaging systems has enabled soft-tissue visualisation [3-6]. Image-based correction using translational couch shifts is now routine practice in modern radiotherapy centres, with bony anatomy, fiducial marker and soft-tissue-based assessment protocols being well documented [7-12].In prostate radiotherapy, moving from bony anatomy to soft-tissue-based assessment and intervention changes the approach from a surrogate for target position to tracking the target itself. Logically this should improve treatment accuracy, since the effect of internal motion on prostate position should be directly taken into account. However, clinical intervention strategies assume that any breach of a defined action level always requires a corrective shift and takes no account of the expected dose distribution in the patient.Systematic and random error components of the margin between the clinical target volume (CTV) and the planning target volume (PTV) mean that dosimetric coverage of the CTV will not be compromised if, despite changes in position, it remains within the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) 50/62-compliant 95% dose “cloud” [13,14]. In such a case, clinical intervention would not be necessary. Using dose-guided radiotherapy, the coverage of the daily verification CTV (vCTV) could be assessed against the expected daily dose distribution. An informed decision on the need to intervene could then be made based on probable dosimetric coverage, taking account of remaining uncertainties.Such an online dose-guided technique could be performed using a full dose recalculation based on the daily on-treatment anatomy immediately prior to treatment delivery. However, the implementation of any online dose-guided intervention poses a number of logistical problems: it would be time consuming, require prompt access to treatment planning stations, be prone to error because of the short decision time available and is a significant role extension for treatment staff more used to anatomical matching techniques. An alternative technique would be to use a sufficiently accurate surrogate for a full dose calculation, allowing dose-based judgements without the need for a potentially time-consuming calculation while a patient is in the treatment position.A previous paper proposed a dosimetric overlay method for dose-based assessment in image-guided radiotherapy of the prostate [15]. The technique involved the use of an overlay of the treatment plan 95% isodose over an on-treatment verification CT scan, achieved by a quick CT reference point registration between the verification CT scan and the localisation planning scan. The isodose could then be used in lieu of a full recalculation of the dose distribution on the pre-treatment scan and used to assess the adequacy of CTV coverage on that day. The paper showed that the technique was a feasible and acceptable means of assessment for prostate radiotherapy and that uncertainties between a full recalculation and this overlay isodose for a given patient anatomy were quantifiable and reasonable.This paper describes a planning study performed to determine the efficacy of the dosimetric evaluation technique described in Smyth et al [15] compared with both existing bony anatomy and soft tissue-matching and intervention protocols. Issues around future clinical implementation of the dosimetric overlay technique will also be discussed.     

Einfluss von bildgestützter translatorischer Isozentrumskorrektur auf die Dosisverteilung bei 3-D-Konformationsbestrahlung der Prostata

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Interfractional prostate motion during radiotherapy due to variation in rectal distension can have negative consequences. The authors investigated the dosimetric consequences of a linear translational position correction based on image guidance when a three-dimensional conformal treatment technique was used. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Planning CTs of seven patients with empty and distended rectum were analyzed. A reference plan for the planning target volume (PTV) and the boost were calculated on the CT dataset with the empty rectum with a standard four-field technique. The treatment plan was transferred to the CT with the distended rectum for an uncorrected setup (referenced to bony anatomy) and a corrected setup after position correction of the isocenter. The dosimetric consequences were analyzed. RESULTS: Organ motion decreased the coverage of the prostate by the 95% isodose during simulated single treatment fractions by up to -21.0 percentage points (%-p; boost plan) and by up to -14.9%-p for the seminal vesicles (PTV plan). The mean rectum dose increased by up to 18.3%-p (PTV plan). Linear translational correction (mean 6.4 +/- 3.4 mm, maximum 10.8 mm) increased the coverage of the prostate by the 95% isodose by up to 12.7%-p (boost plan), while the mean rectum dose was reduced by up to -8.9%-p (PTV plan). For the complete treatment a reduction of complication probability of the rectum of approximately 5%-p was calculated. CONCLUSION: The use of an image guidance system with linear translational correction can improve radiation treatment accuracy for prostate cancer, if geometric changes are within certain limits.     

Optimal selection of optimization bolus thickness in planning of VMAT breast radiotherapy treatments

The aim of this study was to find an optimal optimization skin flash thickness in volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy of the breast in consideration of soft tissue deformations during the treatment course. Ten breast radiotherapy patients with axillary lymph node inclusion were retrospectively planned with volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy technique. The plans were optimized with the planning target volume (PTV) extending outside the skin contour by 0, 5, 7, and 10 mm; and with optimization boluses of 3 or 5 mm on the extended PTV. The final dose was calculated without the bolus. The plans were compared in terms of PTV homogeneity and conformity, and dose minima and maxima. The doses to organs at risk were also evaluated. The doses were recalculated in real patient geometries based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images captured 3 to 6 times during each patient's treatment course. The optimization to the PTV without the PTV extension resulted in the best CTV coverage in the original plans (V95% = 98.0% ± 1.2%). However, when these plans were studied in real CBCT-based patient geometries, the CTV V95% was compromised (94.6% ± 8.3%). In addition, for the surface (4 mm slap inside the PTV 4 mm below the body contour) dose V95% was reduced from the planned 74.7% ± 7.5% to the recalculated 65.5% ± 11.5%. Optimization with an 8-mm bolus to a PTV with 5-mm extension was the most robust choice to ensure the CTV and surface dose coverage (recalculated V95% was 95.2% ± 6.4% and 74.6% ± 8.4%, respectively). In cases with the largest observed deformations, even a 10-mm PTV extension did not suffice to cover the target. Optimization with a 5-mm PTV extension and an 8-mm optimization bolus improved the surface dose and slightly improved the CTV dose when compared to no extension plans. For deformations over 1 cm, no benefit was seen in PTV extensions and replanning is recommended. Frequent tangential and CBCT imaging should be used during treatment course to detect potential large anatomical changes.     

A robust volumetric arc therapy planning approach for breast cancer involving the axillary nodes

We quantify the robustness of a proposed volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning and treatment technique for radiotherapy of breast cancer involving the axillary nodes. The proposed VMAT technique is expected to be more robust to breast shape changes and setup errors, yet maintain the improved conformity of VMAT compared to our current standard technique that uses tangential intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) fields. Treatment plans were created for 10 patients. To account for anatomical variation, planning was carried out on a computed tomography (CT) with an expanded breast, followed by segment weight optimization (SWO) on the original planning CT (VMAT + SWO). For comparison purposes, tangential field IMRT plans and conventional VMAT (cVMAT) plans were also created. Anatomical changes (expansion and contraction of the breast) and setup errors were simulated to quantify changes in target coverage, target maximum, and organ-at-risk (OAR) doses. Finally, robustness was assessed by calculating the actual delivered dose for each fraction using cone-beam CT images acquired during treatment. Target coverage of VMAT + SWO was shown to be significantly more robust compared to cVMAT technique, against anatomical variations and setup errors. Sensitivity of the clinical target volume (CTV) V95% is ?5%/cm of expansion for the proposed technique, which is identical to the IMRT technique and much lower than the ?22%/cm for cVMAT. Results are similar for setup errors. OAR doses are mostly insensitive to anatomical variations and the OAR sensitivity to setup variations does not depend on the planning technique. The results are confirmed by dose distributions recalculated on cone-beam CT, showing that for VMAT + SWO the CTV V95% remains within 2.5% of the planned value, whereas it deviates by up to 7% for cVMAT. A practical VMAT planning technique is developed, which is robust to daily anatomical variations and setup errors.     

个体患者适形调强放疗计划模体内剂量实测验证技术的建立

目的建立个体患者适形调强放疗（IMRT）计划的模体内剂量实测验证技术。方法选择1例鼻咽癌患者，设计IMRT计划。将患者计划转移到模体上设计杂交计划。执行杂交计划时，用针点电离室测量感兴趣点的剂量，并与该点的计算剂量比较。用胶片剂量测量系统测量杂交计划中感兴趣平面的剂量，胶片与计划剂量矩阵登记后，依次进行计划，胶片分析、计划，胶片剖面分析和计划／胶片等剂量线分析。采用复合判断标准评价验证结果。结果针点电离室测量得到杂交计划单次照射的总剂量为121．5cGy，比计算值低约4％。计划，胶片分析得到高剂量、高梯度区域的距离差别均在4mm以内；计划／胶片剖面分析显示，计划与胶片在通过靶区的剖面具有较好的一致性；计划，胶片等剂量线分析显示，计划与胶片对应值的等剂量线重合良好。按照复合判断标准，该计划验证通过。结论初步建立了个体患者IMRT计划的模体内剂量实测验证技术，建立并优化了剂量登记技术、剂量归一方法和评价方法。     

Practically acquired and modified cone-beam computed tomography images for accurate dose calculation in head and neck cancer

Background

On-line cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be used to reconstruct the dose for geometric changes of patients and tumors during radiotherapy course. This study is to establish a practical method to modify the CBCT for accurate dose calculation in head and neck cancer.

Patients and Methods

Fan-beam CT (FBCT) and Elekta??s CBCT were used to acquire images. The CT numbers for different materials on CBCT were mathematically modified to match them with FBCT. Three phantoms were scanned by FBCT and CBCT for image uniformity, spatial resolution, and CT numbers, and to compare the dose distribution from orthogonal beams. A Rando phantom was scanned and planned with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Finally, two nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated with IMRT had their CBCT image sets calculated for dose comparison.

Results

With 360° acquisition of CBCT and high-resolution reconstruction, the uniformity of CT number distribution was improved and the otherwise large variations for background and high-density materials were reduced significantly. The dose difference between FBCT and CBCT was < 2% in phantoms. In the Rando phantom and the patients, the dose?Cvolume histograms were similar. The corresponding isodose curves covering ?? 90% of prescribed dose on FBCT and CBCT were close to each other (within 2 mm). Most dosimetric differences were from the setup errors related to the interval changes in body shape and tumor response.

Conclusion

The specific CBCT acquisition, reconstruction, and CT number modification can generate accurate dose calculation for the potential use in adaptive radiotherapy.     

The transition in practice to reduce bolus use in post-mastectomy radiotherapy: A dosimetric study of skin and subcutaneous tissue

To inform clinical practice for women receiving post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), this study demonstrates the dosimetric impact of removing daily bolus on skin and subcutaneous tissue. Two planning strategies were used: clinical field-based (n = 30) and volume-based planning (n = 10). The clinical field-based plans were created with bolus and recalculated without bolus for comparison. The volume-based plans were created with bolus to ensure a minimum target coverage of the chest wall PTV and recalculated without bolus. In each scenario, the dose to superficial structures, including skin (3 mm and 5 mm) and subcutaneous tissue (a 2 mm layer, 3 mm deep from surface) were reported. Additionally, the difference in the clinically evaluated dosimetry to skin and subcutaneous tissue in volume-based plans were recalculated using Acuros (AXB) and compared to the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) algorithm. For all treatment planning strategies, chest wall coverage (V90%) was maintained. As expected, superficial structures demonstrate significant loss in coverage. The largest difference observed in the most superficial 3 mm where V90% coverage is reduced from a mean (± standard deviation) of 95.1% (± 2.8) to 18.9% (± 5.6) for clinical field-based treatments with and without bolus, respectively. For volume-based planning, the subcutaneous tissue maintains a V90% of 90.5% (± 7.0) compared to the clinical field-based planning coverage of 84.4% (± 8.0). In all skin and subcutaneous tissue, the AAA algorithm underestimates the volume of the 90% isodose. Removing bolus results in minimal dosimetric differences in the chest wall and significantly lower skin dose while dose to the subcutaneous tissue is maintained. Unless the skin has disease involvement, the most superficial 3 mm is not considered part of the target volume. The continued use of the AAA algorithm is supported for the PMRT setting.     

Effect of different breathing patterns in the same patient on stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy dosimetry for primary renal cell carcinoma: A case study

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) targets requires motion management strategies to verify dose delivery. This case study highlights the effect of a change in patient breathing amplitude on the dosimetry to organs at risk and target structures. A 73-year-old male patient was planned for receiving 26 Gy of radiation in 1 fraction of SABR for a left primary RCC. The patient was simulated with four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and the tumor internal target volume (ITV) was delineated using the 4DCT maximum intensity projection. However, the initially planned treatment was abandoned at the radiation oncologist's discretion after pretreatment cone-beam CT (CBCT) motion verification identified a greater than 50% reduction in superior to inferior diaphragm motion as compared with the planning 4DCT. This patient was resimulated with respiratory coaching instructions. To assess the effect of the change in breathing on the dosimetry to the target, each plan was recalculated on the data set representing the change in breathing condition. A change from smaller to larger breathing showed a 46% loss in planning target volume (PTV) coverage, whereas a change from larger breathing to smaller breathing resulted in an 8% decrease in PTV coverage. ITV coverage was similarly reduced by 8% in both scenarios. This case study highlights the importance of tools to verify breathing motion prior to treatment delivery. 4D image guided radiation therapy verification strategies should focus on not only verifying ITV margin coverage but also the effect on the surrounding organs at risk.     

The Dosimetric Effect of Zipper Artifacts on TomoTherapy Adaptive Dose Calculation—A Phantom Study

Tomotherapy adaptive dose calculation offers the ability to verify and adjust the therapeutic plan during the treatment. Using tomotherapy adaptive dose calculation, the planned fluence pattern can be used to recalculate the dose distribution on pretreatment megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images. Zipper artifacts, which appear as increased density in the central region of MVCT images, may affect the accuracy of adaptive dose recalculation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric effects of zipper artifacts on tomotherapy adaptive dose calculation. MVCT images of a cylindrical water phantom of 22-cm diameter were acquired on a tomotherapy system. The zipper artifacts were enclosed by a cylindrical planning target volume (PTV) contoured on these images. For comparison, artifact-free images were created by replacing the computed tomography (CT) numbers of zipper artifacts with the mean CT number of water. Treatment plans were generated by giving a uniform dose of 2 Gy to the PTV based on these modified images; it was then applied to the images that have the zipper artifacts. The impacts of different pitch ratios on the artifacts were assessed. The dose distribution differences between the 2 sets of images were compared. The absorbed dose that covered 95% volume of PTV and maximum dose, minimum dose, and mean dose of the PTV were also calculated and compared. The water phantom was scanned on the tomotherapy system twice per week for 12 consecutive weeks. The mean CT number of zipper artifacts (101 HU) was three times higher than that of water (34 HU). The CT number value and location of zipper artifacts were not affected by the pitch ratio. Gamma analysis was performed between the original and recalculated dose distributions. The discrepancies between the isodose distributions calculated by two sets of images were within 1%/1-mm tolerance. The dosimetric impact from zipper artifacts was found insignificant such that the recalculated dose was underestimated by less than 0.5%.     

Selection of the optimal radiotherapy technique for locally advanced maxillary carcinoma using a three-dimensional treatment planning system

AIM: To compare the isodose distribution of three radiotherapy techniques for locally advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma and analyze the potential of three-dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy planning in order to determine the optimal technique for target dose delivery, and spare uninvolved healthy tissue structures. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of fourteen patients with T3-T4, N0, M0 maxillary sinus carcinoma were acquired and transferred to 3D treatment planning system (3D-TPS). The target volume and uninvolved dose limiting structures were contoured on axial CT slices throughout the volume of interest combining three variants of treatment plans (techniques) for each patient: 1. A conventional two-dimensional (2D) treatment plan with classically shaped one anterior + two lateral opposite fields and two types of 3D conformal radiotherapy plans were compared for each patient. 2. Three-dimensional standard (3D-S) plan: one anterior + two lateral opposite coplanar fields, which outlines were shaped with multileaf collimator (MLC) according to geometric information based on 3D reconstruction of target volume and organs at risk as seen in the beam eye's view (BEV) projection. 3. Three-dimensional non-standard (3D-NS) plan: one anterior + two lateral noncoplanar fields, which outlines were shaped in the same manner as in 3D-S plans. The planning parameters for target volumes and the degree of neurooptic structures and parotid glands protection were evaluated for all three techniques. Comparison of plans and treatment techniques was assessed by isodose distribution, dose statistics, and dose-volume histograms. RESULTS: The most enhanced conformity of the dose delivered to the target volume was achieved with 3D-NS technique, and significant differences were found comparing 3D-NS vs. 2D (Dmax: p<0.05; Daver: p<0.01; Dmin: p<0.05; V90: p<0.05, and V95: p<0.01), as well as 3D-NS vs. 3D-S technique (Dmin: p<0.05; V90: p<0.05, and V95: p<0.01), while there were no differences between 2D vs. 3D-S technique. 3D-S conformal plans were significantly superior to 2D plans regarding the protection of parotid glands, and the additional improvement of dose conformity was achieved with 3D-NS technique. 3D-NS technique resulted in the decrease of Dmax for ipsilateral retina compared with 3D-S technique, while the level of Dmax for optic nerve was increased (within an acceptable range) with 3D-NS technique. CONCLUSION: In this study, 3D planning of radiotherapy for locally advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma with noncoplanar fields, which number did not exceed the number of fields for conventional arrangement enabled conformal delivering of the adequate dose to the target volume with the improved sparing of adjacent uninvolved healthy tissue structures.     

A Technique for Verification of Isocenter Position in Tangential Field Breast Irradiation

Treatment verification and reproducibility of the breast treatment portals play a very important role in breast radiotherapy. We propose a simple technique to verify the planned isocenter position during treatment using an electronic portal imaging device. Ten patients were recruited in this study and (CT) computed tomography-based planning was performed with a conventional tangential field technique. For verification purposes, in addition to the standard medial (F1) and lateral (F2) tangential fields, a field (F3) perpendicular to the medial field was used for verification of the treatment portals. Lead markers were placed along the central axis of the 2 defined fields (F1 and F3) and the separation between the markers was measured on the portal images and verified with the marker separation on the digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). Any deviation will identify the shift in the planned isocenter position during treatment. The average deviation observed between the markers measured from the DRR and portal image was 1.6 and 2.1 mm, with a standard deviation of 0.4 and 0.9 mm for fields F1 and F3, respectively. The maximum deviation observed was 3.0 mm for field F3. This technique will be very useful in patient setup for tangential breast radiotherapy.     

A dose distribution evaluation utilizing megavoltage CT imaging system

An isodose distribution (collision kinetic energy distribution) was acquired using a megavoltage CT imaging system. Direct comparison of dose distributions has become important for verification in innovative treatment techniques. Three-dimensional implementation of this system is considered highly feasible.     

Simple technique to visualize random set-up displacements using a commercially available radiotherapy planning system

PURPOSE: To visualize random set-up displacements in isodose distribution images, we introduce a simple technique using a commercially available radiotherapy planning system (RTP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A distribution of set-up displacement is known to be compatible with that of a Gaussian distribution. Based on that assumption, 41 intentionally misaligned beams with 1-mm intervals were planned in the respective weights according to Gaussian distribution. "Modified" isodose distributions were then visualized using a commercially available RTP. In the next step, only two beams misaligned with one standard deviation (SD) of the Gaussian distribution were used in place of 41 beams, as a large number of beams increases the workload and is unsuitable for clinical use. Differences between the two versions of isodose distribution images were assessed visually. RESULTS: In modified dose distribution images, the edge of distribution was dull compared to normal images. These images show that the larger SD of set-up displacement dulls the edge of dose distribution. Images from two beams were not significantly different to those from 41 beams. CONCLUSION: Using this technique, the impact of random set-up displacements was effectively reflected in isodose distribution images.     

Preoperative Radiation Treatment for Rectal Cancer: Comparison of Target Coverage and Small Bowel NTCP in Conventional vs. 3D-Conformal Planning

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the improvement in rectal cancer radiation treatment achieved with the implementation of target delineation for conformal radiotherapy, replacing conventional technique using standard radiological anatomy for target volume definition. In 10 patients receiving preoperative pelvic irradiation for rectal cancer, a 3-field technique was designed by a 3-dimensional (3D) planning system. Two plans were simulated for each patient, one with the fields designed in the conventional way based on radiological anatomy, and the other with the fields designed on the basis of a computed tomography (CT) delineated planning target volume (PTV). A total dose of 45 Gy in 25-daily fractions of 1.8 Gy in 5 weeks was planned. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of PTV, small bowel, anal sphincter, and urinary bladder were analyzed to compare plans. The minimum, maximum, and mean dose in the PTV and in critical organs were also evaluated. The inhomogeneity coefficient (IC) and the target coverage (TC) were calculated. The normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for each organ at risk (OAR) was determined. NTCP for small bowel and urinary bladder was not statistically different, while the PTV coverage was significantly lower with conventional treatment relative to conformal treatment (median IC = 7.2, median TC = 0.91 vs. median IC = 0.14 and median TC = 1, p < 0.005). The 3D conformal treatment plan in preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer improves target coverage without significantly affecting small bowel and urinary bladder NTCP.     

Simple and effective immobilization for radiation treatment of choroidal melanoma

At our institution, patients diagnosed with choroidal melanoma requiring external beam radiation therapy are treated with two 6 MV volumetric-modulated arcs delivering 50 Gy over 5 daily fractions. The patient is immobilized using an Orfit head and neck mask and is directed to look at a light emitting diode (LED) during CT simulation and treatment to minimize eye movement. Patient positioning is checked with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) daily. Translational and rotational displacements greater than 1 mm or 1° off the planned isocenter position are corrected using a Hexapod couch. The aim of this study is to verify that the mask system provides adequate immobilization and to verify our 2-mm planning target volume (PTV) margins are sufficient. Residual displacements provided by pretreatment verification and post-treatment CBCT data sets were used to assess the impact of patient mobility during treatment on the reconstructed delivered dose to the target and organs at risk. The PTV margin calculated using van Herk's method¹ was used to assess patient motion plus other factors that affect treatment position, such as kV-MV isocenter coincidence. Patient position variations were small and were shown to not cause significant dose variations between the planned and reconstructed dose to the target and organs at risk. The PTV margin analysis showed patient translational motion alone required a PTV margin of 1 mm. Given other factors that affect treatment delivery accuracy, a 2-mm PTV margin was shown to be sufficient for treatment of 95% of our patients with 100% of dose delivered to the GTV. The mask immobilization with LED focus is robust and we showed a 2-mm PTV margin is adequate with this technique.     

Irradiation with standard tangential breast fields in patients treated with conservative surgery and sentinel node biopsy: using a three-dimensional tool to evaluate the first level coverage of the axillary nodes

Recent data show that axillary coverage can be obtained, but only through a selective CT-based treatment planning, as standard tangential fields are inadequate to deliver therapeutic doses. Currently, the replacement of axillary dissection with new techniques, such as sentinel node (SN) biopsy, makes it necessary to re-address the question about the real role of axillary irradiation, complicated by the differences in the anatomy of dissected and undissected axillary regions. The purpose of this paper is the dosimetric analysis of first axillary level coverage in standard irradiation of 15 breast-cancer patients treated with quadrantectomy and SN biopsy (negative finding). During surgery a clip on the site of the SN was positioned, marking the caudal margin of first axillary level. After the breast treatment plan was completed, the first axillary level was contoured on CT scans, from the site of the surgical clip up to the sternal manubrium, for coverage analysis with dose-volume histograms (DVHs) and three-dimensional isodose visualization. The maximum dose mean ranged from 5% to 80% of the prescribed dose (mean value 48.7%). The mean total dose received by the volume of interest was lower than 40 Gy in all but one patient. No patient had total irradiation of first nodal level; only one patient had 35% of the volume enclosed in the 100% isodose. Our analysis lead to the conclusion that therapeutic doses are not really delivered to first level axillary level nodes by a standard tangential field technique, and that specific treatment planning and beam arrangement are required when adequate coverage is necessary.     

腮腺癌术后高危复发区放疗的不同治疗计划剂量学比较

目的 探讨腮腺癌术后高危复发区用何种照射方法可以更有效的使靶区剂量均匀及更好的保护危及器官.方法 对8例腮腺癌术后患者设计治疗计划,处方剂量为95%计划靶区(PTV)60 Gy/30次.对常规放疗、二维适形放疗(2D-CRT)、三维适形放疗(3D-CRT)和调强放疗(IMRT)等放射治疗技术的腮腺癌术后靶区进行放疗计划设计,分析比较各种治疗计划靶区适形度和在保护危及器官等方面的优劣.结果 在2D-CRT时,以计算点深度取3.5 cm,电子线能量采取12 MeV及X射线/电子射线(X/E)剂量比为1∶2时靶区的适形度和均匀度较好,危及器官的受量较低.与2D-CRT比较,常规放疗照射野能够较好地包括CT断层图像上勾画的靶区.与2D-CRT及3D-CRT相比,IMRT计划有最好的靶区适形度及均匀度,同时对危及器官有较好的保护作用.结论 X射线与电子线混合线束照射时,剂量计算点深度取3.5 cm左右、电子线能量采取12 MeV及X/E剂量比为1∶2时,靶区的适形度和均匀度较好,对正常组织的保护较好,但具体患者最好用计划系统来选择以上指标.常规放疗按解剖标志确定的照射野能够较好地包括三维靶区.IMRT计划的靶区适形度及均匀度最好,并且危及器官受量较低,在腮腺癌术后放射治疗中IMRT技术是值得推广并普及的放射治疗技术.     

An automated phantom-film QA procedure for intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

To verify that the calculated dose distribution is delivered accurately during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), we have implemented an automated plan/film validation protocol. The cubic polystyrene film phantom provided with the Peacock IMRT system and the Radiation Imaging Technology (RIT) film dosimetry system were used to compare planned and delivered dose distributions. The calculated dose matrix from CORVUS was transferred to RIT and analyzed. The analysis included dose-difference histograms, dose comparison in low-gradient areas, distance to agreement in high-gradient areas, dose profiles, and isodose comparisons. Dose differences of up to 5% were commonly observed in the high-dose and low-gradient areas between verification films and treatment plans for prostate patients. The most prominent discrepancies were detected in the high-gradient areas of dose distributions. The automated protocol is an efficient technique that provides information about spatial differences between calculated and delivered doses.     

Practical 3-D radiotherapy planning of brain tumors.

In postoperative radiotherapy of brain tumors it is usually the case that preoperative imaging studies, either CT or MRI, were performed outside of the purview of the radiation therapy department. Thus the target volume is defined in an imaging study that does not lend itself readily for entry to a 3-D treatment planning system. A method is described that adjusts the patient structure defined by scan data to an appropriate position for radiotherapy. Software tools that are simple to use have been incorporated in a 3-D treatment planning program that allows oblique treatment planes to be defined. The program provides beam's-eye-view plots of the fields that are used to overlay simulation films and will automatically describe a field blocking outline that provides a prescribed margin on the target volume or other structures that have been defined. Finally, dose calculations in arbitrary planes through the head are made and isodose plots produced.