Submandibular gland sparing in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for N0-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective:

This study evaluated and quantified the feasibility of submandibular gland (SMG) sparing in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for N0-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods:

Ten patients with N0-stage NPC were enrolled in the study. Four IMRT plans were produced for each, with different limiting conditions. In plan A, SMG sparing was ignored; in plans B, C and D, the mean dose to SMGs was restricted to 39 Gy. In addition, at least 95% of planning target volume (PTV)-IIa (PTV of clinical target volume involving level IIa lymph node) in plan C and 90% of PTV-IIa in plan D were required to have a 60 Gy covering.

Results:

The average mean dose to SMGs was 54.6 ± 3.6 Gy in plan A and was lower 39.3 ± 0.3, 49.3 ± 1.9 and 46.7 ± 2.8 Gy in plans B, C and D, respectively. The volume of PTV-IIa covered by 60 Gy was 98.9%, 81.6%, 95.2% and 90.8% in plans A, B, C and D, respectively, and showed a parallel association between dose reduction to SMGs and the covering deficit of PTV-IIa.

Conclusion:

Reducing the mean dose received by SMG to 39 Gy or less in IMRT for N0-stage NPC is feasible.Xerostomia is the most prevalent sequela following radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC),¹ but can be reduced by parotid gland sparing using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. In recent years, the submandibular gland (SMG) was found to play an important role in the secretion of saliva,^2,3 contributing up to 90% of unstimulated salivary output as well as contributing to a patient''s subjective sense of moisture. Therefore, sparing the SMGs from high-dose irradiation would be useful in reducing the symptoms of xerostomia.SMGs are located inside the area of neck node level Ib and anterior to the level II region. Level II neck nodes are generally elected to receive prophylactic irradiation. It has been reported that with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for head and neck cancers,⁴ the SMGs would receive an unplanned dose of 62 Gy on average. Preservation of SMG function was reported for head and neck cancer treated with IMRT.^5–7 However, data from our institution showed that the average unplanned dose received by SMGs was 58 Gy in IMRT of N0-stage NPC, although level I neck nodes were omitted for selected irradiations.To our knowledge, the abovementioned studies focused only on the contralateral SMG (cSMG).^5–7 However, is it possible to spare the bilateral SMGs in N0-stage NPC patients but what will be the subsequent trade-off of dose distribution to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) around the SMG area? This study was designed to address this question, and the results will be a valuable reference in planning the IMRT of NPC.     

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy increases dose to the brachial plexus compared with conventional radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Objective

The preferential use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) over conventional radiotherapy (CRT) in the treatment of head and neck cancer has raised concerns regarding dose to non-target tissue. The purpose of this study was to compare dose-volume characteristics with the brachial plexus between treatment plans generated by IMRT and CRT using several common treatment scenarios.

Method

The brachial plexus was delineated on radiation treatment planning CT scans from 10 patients undergoing IMRT for locally advanced head and neck cancer using a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group-endorsed atlas. No brachial plexus constraint was used. For each patient, a conventional three-g0ield shrinking-g0ield plan was generated and the dose-volume histogram (DVH) for the brachial plexus was compared with that of the IMRT plan.

Results

The mean irradiated volumes of the brachial plexus using the IMRT vs the CRT plan, respectively, were as follows: V50 (18±5 ml) vs (11±6 ml), p = 0.01; V60 (6±4 ml) vs (3±3 ml), p = 0.02; V66 (3±1 ml) vs (1±1 ml), p = 0.04, V70 (0±1 ml) vs (0±1 ml), p = 0.68. The maximum point dose to the brachial plexus was 68.9 Gy (range 62.3–78.7 Gy) and 66.1 Gy (range 60.2–75.6 Gy) for the IMRT and CRT plans, respectively (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Dose to the brachial plexus is significantly increased among patients undergoing IMRT compared with CRT for head and neck cancer. Preliminary studies on brachial plexus-sparing IMRT are in progress.Although intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is widely considered the current standard in the radiotherapeutic management of head and neck cancer, investigators are increasingly recognising that this technology is associated with significant beam path doses to non-target structures that previously received little dose using previous, less conformal techniques [1]. Indeed, since the clinical implementation of IMRT at our institution, we have observed a striking number of patients returning for follow-up with symptoms thought to be related to radiation-induced brachial plexopathy. The purpose of this study was to compare dose-volume characteristics to the brachial plexus between treatment plans generated by IMRT and conventional radiotherapy (CRT) using several common head and neck cancer treatment scenarios.     

SmartArc-based volumetric modulated arc therapy can improve the middle ear,vestibule and cochlea sparing for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a dosimetric comparison with step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Objective:

Radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss is a common complication after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that significantly affects their quality of life. The goal of this study was to compare SmartArc-based volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT-S) with step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with locoregionally advanced NPC with regard to the sparing effect on middle ear, vestibule and cochlea.

Methods:

20 patients with non-metastatic Stage III or IV NPC were selected to have planning with VMAT-S and IMRT [using Philips Pinnacle Planning System (Philips, Fitchburg, WI) for Varian accelerator] for dosimetric comparison. Mean middle ears, vestibule and cochlea doses for the two planning techniques were compared using a paired t-test. Target coverage and dose homogeneity were evaluated by calculating conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) values.

Results:

VMAT-S had significantly improved homogeneity and conformity compared with IMRT. Mean HI of planning target volume of gross tumour volume (PGTV) was better with VMAT-S (1.05 ± 0.02) than IMRT (1.09 ± 0.03) (p < 0.001). Mean CI of PGTV is also better with VMAT-S (0.59 ± 0.12) than IMRT (0.54 ± 0.12) (p < 0.001). Mean doses to the left cochleas were 43.8 ± 3.6 and 47.8 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001) for VMAT-S and IMRT plans, respectively. Mean doses to the right cochleas were 42.7 ± 4.7 and 47.6 ± 5.4 (p < 0.001) for VMAT-S and IMRT plans, respectively. VMAT-S also significantly reduced the mean doses to middle ears (p < 0.001 for both) and vestibule (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that VMAT-S provides better sparing of hearing apparatus in locoregionally advanced NPC.

Advances in knowledge:

VMAT-S can improve the middle ear, vestibule and cochlea sparing in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC.     

Effect on therapeutic ratio of planning a boosted radiotherapy dose to the dominant intraprostatic tumour lesion within the prostate based on multifunctional MR parameters

Objective:

To demonstrate the feasibility of an 8-Gy focal radiation boost to a dominant intraprostatic lesion (DIL), identified using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), and to assess the potential outcome compared with a uniform 74-Gy prostate dose.

Methods:

The DIL location was predicted in 23 patients using a histopathologically verified model combining diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, T₂ maps and three-dimensional MR spectroscopic imaging. The DIL defined prior to neoadjuvant hormone downregulation was firstly registered to MRI-acquired post-hormone therapy and subsequently to CT radiotherapy scans. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment was planned for an 8-Gy focal boost with 74-Gy dose to the remaining prostate. Areas under the dose–volume histograms (DVHs) for prostate, bladder and rectum, the tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs) were compared with those of the uniform 74-Gy IMRT plan.

Results:

Deliverable IMRT plans were feasible for all patients with identifiable DILs (20/23). Areas under the DVHs were increased for the prostate (75.1 ± 0.6 vs 72.7 ± 0.3 Gy; p < 0.001) and decreased for the rectum (38.2 ± 2.5 vs 43.5 ± 2.5 Gy; p < 0.001) and the bladder (29.1 ± 9.0 vs 36.9 ± 9.3 Gy; p < 0.001) for the boosted plan. The prostate TCP was increased (80.1 ± 1.3 vs 75.3 ± 0.9 Gy; p < 0.001) and rectal NTCP lowered (3.84 ± 3.65 vs 9.70 ± 5.68 Gy; p = 0.04) in the boosted plan. The bladder NTCP was negligible for both plans.

Conclusion:

Delivery of a focal boost to an mpMRI-defined DIL is feasible, and significant increases in TCP and therapeutic ratio were found.

Advances in knowledge:

The delivery of a focal boost to an mpMRI-defined DIL demonstrates statistically significant increases in TCP and therapeutic ratio.Phase III trials using conformal external beam radiotherapy have shown that a dose escalation improves biochemical progression-free survival in patients with prostate cancer;^1–5 however, increases in late rectal and urinary morbidity are associated with the dose distributions used to achieve these gains.With the advent of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), complex three-dimensional (3D) dose distributions can be delivered to areas of disease whilst reducing the dose to the surrounding tissues and also potentially boosting the dose to encompassed small volumes such as the dominant intraprostatic lesions (DILs). This is potentially advantageous, as local recurrence has been shown to originate within the initial tumour volume.⁶This approach requires reliable and reproducible imaging to identify the DIL. Conventional MR using high spatial resolution T₂ weighted (T2W) contrast has insufficient sensitivity and specificity for defining the tumour within the prostate gland, especially if the lesions are <1 cm in diameter.⁷ A combination of MRI methods whose contrast is determined by tissue physiology and biochemistry rather than anatomy offers improved sensitivity and specificity for delineation of prostate cancers. Functional methods include diffusion-weighted imaging, MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and together present a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) data set. We have previously validated a multiparametric model to identify prostate cancer and the location of DILs with histology from prostatectomy specimens.⁸mpMRI data are reliable only if acquired before androgen deprivation (hormone) therapy, as there is profound functional signal degradation after hormone therapy.^9–11 Our standard institutional practice for intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer uses hormone therapy for 3–6 months prior to external beam radiotherapy,^12–14 so modelling a radiation boost to mpMRI-defined tumour nodules requires acquisition of functional data before hormone therapy to be registered with anatomical images obtained post hormone treatment and immediately prior to radiotherapy¹⁵ in order to translate the tumour location to radiotherapy planning CT images. The aim of this planning study therefore was to demonstrate the use of a mpMRI-defined DIL to create a radiotherapy boost volume. IMRT treatment plans were optimized to deliver either a uniform 74 Gy to the whole prostate or to add an 8-Gy simultaneous integrated boost to the DIL, and the potential clinical outcomes compared using dose–volume histograms (DVHs) and radiobiological models for tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs).     

Operation and calibration of the novel PTW 1600SRS detector for the verification of single isocenter stereotactic radiosurgery treatments of multiple small brain metastases

Objectives:The aim of this work was to evaluate the operation of the 1600SRS detector and to develop a calibration procedure for verifying the dose delivered by a single isocenter stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment of small multiple brain metastases (BM).Methods:14 clinical treatment cases were selected with the number of BM ranging from 2 to 11. The dosimetric agreement was investigated between the calculated and the measured dose by an OCTAVIUS 1600SRS array detector in an OCTAVIUS 4D phantom equipped with dedicated SRS top. The cross-calibration procedure deviated from the manufacturer’s as it applied field sizes and dose rates corresponding to the volumetric modulated arc therapy segments in each plan.Results:Measurements with a plan specific cross-calibration showed mean ± standard deviation (SD) agreement scores for cut-off values 50%, 80%, 95%, of 98.6 ± 1.7%, 96.5 ± 4.6%, 97.3 ± 4.4% for the 6 MV plans respectively, and 98.6 ± 1.5%, 96.6 ± 4.0% 96.4 ± 6.3%, for the 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) plans respectively. Using the default calibration procedure instead of the plan specific calibration could lead to a combined systematic dose offset of 4.1% for our treatment plans.Conclusion:The 1600SRS detector array with the 4D phantom offers an accurate solution to perform routine quality assurance measurements of single isocenter SRS treatments of multiple BM. This work points out the necessity of an adapted cross-calibration procedure.Advances in knowledge:A dedicated calibration procedure enables accurate dosimetry with the 1600SRS detector for small field single isocenter SRS treatment of multiple brain metastases for a large amount of BM.     

Evaluation of hippocampus dose for patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objective:

To evaluate the dose received by the hippocampus among patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Methods:

10 patients with biopsy-proven, locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer constituted the study population. The total prescribed dose to the planning target volume (PTV) was 70 Gy (D95%) delivered in 2.12-Gy daily fractions using IMRT. Using established anatomical guidelines, MRI co-registration and the assistance of a board-certified neuroradiologist, the right and left hippocampi were delineated on axial imaging from the CT scan obtained at simulation for each patient beginning at the most anterior portion of the lateral ventricle. IMRT treatment plans were generated without dose–volume constraints to the hippocampus. A range of dose–volume statistics was calculated.

Results:

The mean hippocampus volume was 6.01 ± 2.61 cm³. The mean V20 was 72.2%; V40 was 22.0%; V50 was 10.2%; and V60 was 5.5%. The average mean, minimum and maximum hippocampus doses were 30.27 Gy (range, 19.08–47.99 Gy); 17.54 Gy (range, 11.66–33.17 Gy); and 54.95 Gy (range, 35.59–75.57 Gy), respectively. The hippocampus received a maximum dose exceeding 70 Gy in 30% of cases.

Conclusion:

Our dosimetric analysis suggests that, for patients undergoing IMRT for nasopharyngeal cancer, the hippocampus routinely receives significantly high doses.

Advances in knowledge:

The hippocampus receives a fair amount of incidental radiation during treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer. Given the importance of this structure with respect to memory and neurocognitive function, consideration should be given to identifying the hippocampus as a critical organ at risk in the IMRT optimization process.Although intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has supplanted two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiotherapies as the standard treatment for patients with head and neck cancer, it has become increasingly clear that the generation of highly conformal plans with steep fall-off gradients may come at the expense of significant doses to non-delineated extra-target organs.¹ Owing to the anatomical proximity of many head and neck cancers to the central nervous system, studies investigating the effects of radiation exposure on specific structures in the brain responsible for neurocognitive functioning may be warranted.Located within the temporal lobes, the hippocampus is a horseshoe-shaped paired structure that is a critical component of the limbic system. Its functions relate to the formation of new memories, spatial navigation and the connection of emotions and senses, such as smell and sound, to memories. Although the tolerance of this structure to radiation has yet to be fully established, it has been hypothesized that incidental exposure to this structure may contribute to both short-term toxicity, such as lack of inhibition and disequilibrium, as well as long-term memory loss.² Thus, the purpose of this study was to conduct a dosimetric analysis in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer treated by IMRT to assess incidental exposure to the hippocampus.     

基于优化参数树搜索算法的直肠癌调强放疗自动计划

目的 针对调强放疗(IMRT)计划大量耗费人工及计划质量高度依赖物理师临床经验且差异较大等问题,探讨一种可实现无监督调强放疗自动计划的方案.方法 采用Varian Eclipse 15.6治疗计划系统(TPS)自带的脚本应用程序接口(ESAPI)和优化参数树搜索算法(OPTSA)模拟,实现整个计划设计过程.通过ESAP...     

Dosimetric feasibility of neurovascular bundle-sparing stereotactic body radiotherapy with periprostatic hydrogel spacer for localized prostate cancer to preserve erectile function

Objective:We aim to test the hypothesis that neurovascular bundle (NVB) displacement by rectal hydrogel spacer combined with NVB delineation as an organ at risk (OAR) is a feasible method for NVB-sparing stereotactic body radiotherapy.Methods:Thirty-five men with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent rectal hydrogel spacer placement and pre-, post-spacer prostate MRI studies were treated with prostate SBRT (36.25 Gy in five fractions). A prostate radiologist contoured the NVB on both the pre- and post-spacer T2W MRI sequences that were then registered to the CT simulation scan for NVB-sparing radiation treatment planning. Three SBRT treatment plans were developed for each patient: (1) no NVB sparing, (2) NVB-sparing using pre-spacer MRI, and (3) NVB-sparing using post-spacer MRI. NVB dose constraints include maximum dose 36.25 Gy (100%), V34.4 Gy (95% of dose) <60%, V32Gy <70%, V28Gy <90%.Results:Rectal hydrogel spacer placement shifted NVB contours an average of 3.1 ± 3.4 mm away from the prostate, resulting in a 10% decrease in NVB V34.4 Gy in non-NVB-sparing plans (p < 0.01). NVB-sparing treatment planning reduced the NVB V34.4 by 16% without the spacer (p < 0.01) and 25% with spacer (p < 0.001). NVB-sparing did not compromise PTV coverage and OAR endpoints.Conclusions:NVB-sparing SBRT with rectal hydrogel spacer significantly reduces the volume of NVB treated with high-dose radiation. Rectal spacer contributes to this effect through a dosimetrically meaningful displacement of the NVB that may significantly reduce RiED. These results suggest that NVB-sparing SBRT warrants further clinical evaluation.Advances in knowledge:This is a feasibility study showing that the periprostatic NVBs can be spared high doses of radiation during prostate SBRT using a hydrogel spacer and nerve-sparing treatment planning.     

Dose to Bone Marrow Using IMRT Techniques in Prostate Cancer Patients

Purpose: To investigate the dose distribution in active bone marrow of patients undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer and compare it to the distribution in the same patients, if they had been treated using conformal plans, in order to develop criteria for optimization to minimize the estimated risk of secondary leukemia. Patients and Methods: Mean bone marrow doses were calculated for ten patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent whole-pelvis IMRT and compared to three-dimensional conformal (3-D CRT) plans prepared for the same patients. Also for comparison, the IMRT and 3-D CRT plans were produced to simulate the treatment of the prostate gland only. To measure the dose to extrapelvic bone marrow, three thermoluminescent diode (TLD) chips were placed in the middle of the sternum region inside the Rando phantom. Results: For both the pelvic and prostate-only volumes, the IMRT plans were superior to 3-D CRT plans in reducing the high dose volume to the rectum, the bladder and the small bowel while maintaining acceptable coverage of the planning target volume (PTV). For the pelvic treatment group the IMRT plans, compared to 3-D CRT, reduced the high dose volume (> 20 Gy) to os coxae, which is the main contributor of dose to pelvic bone marrow, but increased the middle dose volume (10–20 Gy). No statistically significant differences were observed for lower dose volumes (< 5 Gy). For the prostate-only treatment the IMRT plan increased the high dose volume and slightly decreased the low dose volume of pelvic bone marrow. However, for both treatments the leakage dose to extrapelvic sites was higher by a factor of 2 in IMRT plans. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the dose-volume histograms of bone marrow doses from 3-D CRT and from IMRT. Pronounced dose inhomogeneity reduces the risk of leukemia compared to homogeneous radiation exposure of the bone marrow. The mean bone marrow dose is therefore not a useful criterion to judge plan quality, since scattered low doses to distant sites may be more critical than the high dose volumes receiving > 10 Gy. The number of monitor units needed to deliver an IMRT plan affects leakage dose and their incorporation into planning constraints should be considered.     

碳离子放射治疗泪囊泪腺肿瘤的剂量学研究

目的 比较碳离子治疗泪囊泪腺肿瘤相对于光子放疗的剂量学差异。方法 利用上海市质子重粒子医院治疗的10例术后残留的泪囊腺肿瘤患者CT图像,重新制定碳离子计划,光子容积调强计划（VMAT）与固定野光子调强计划（IMRT）,所有患者处方均为给予临床靶区54 Gy相对生物学效能（RBE）/18次,并给予临床加量靶区同步加量至63 Gy（RBE）/18次。在计划靶区覆盖相似情况下,比较正常组织受量。结果 在计划靶区覆盖差异无统计学意义的情况下,与光子VMAT和与IMRT相比,碳离子计划患侧与健侧的眼球平均剂量、视神经近似最大剂量（D_2%）与平均剂量均降低（患侧：t=7.35、3.79、4.66、8.48、2.52、2.76,P<0.05;健侧：t=3.87、10.49、9.16、4.43、6.53、5.12,P<0.05）;脑组织平均剂量由（5.65±3.58）和（5.76±2.09）Gy（RBE）降至（0.81±0.90）Gy（RBE）,差异具有统计学意义（t=6.76、17.33,P<0.05）。结论 与光子VMAT与IMRT相比,碳离子计划能有效降低泪囊泪腺肿瘤周围视觉器官受照体积与剂量,具有降低放疗不良反应的潜在优势。     

Shortening the preparation time of the single prolonged breath-hold for radiotherapy sessions

Objective:Single prolonged breath-holds of >5 min can be obtained in cancer patients. Currently, however, the preparation time in each radiotherapy session is a practical limitation for clinical adoption of this new technique. Here, we show by how much our original preparation time can be shortened without unduly compromising breath-hold duration.Methods:44 healthy subjects performed single prolonged breath-holds from 60% O₂ and mechanically induced hypocapnia. We tested the effect on breath-hold duration of shortening preparation time (the durations of acclimatization, hyperventilation and hypocapnia) by changing these durations and or ventilator settings.Results:Mean original breath-hold duration was 6.5 ± 0.2 (standard error) min. The total original preparation time (from connecting the facemask to the start of the breath-hold) was 26 ± 1 min. After shortening the hypocapnia duration from 16 to 5 min, mean breath-hold duration was still 6.1 ± 0.2 min (ns vs the original). After abolishing the acclimatization and shortening the hypocapnia to 1 min (a total preparation time now of 9 ± 1 min), a mean breath-hold duration of >5 min was still possible (now significantly shortened to 5.2 ± 0.6 min, p < 0.001). After shorter and more vigorous hyperventilation (lasting 2.7 ± 0.3 min) and shorter hypocapnia (lasting 43 ± 4 s), a mean breath-hold duration of >5 min (5.3 ± 0.2 min, p < 0.05) was still possible. Here, the final total preparation time was 3.5 ± 0.3 min.Conclusions:These improvements may facilitate adoption of the single prolonged breath-hold for a range of thoracic and abdominal radiotherapies especially involving hypofractionation.Advances in knowledge:Multiple short breath-holds improve radiotherapy for thoracic and abdominal cancers. Further improvement may occur by adopting the single prolonged breath-hold of >5 min. One limitation to clinical adoption is its long preparation time. We show here how to reduce the mean preparation time from 26 to 3.5 min without compromising breath-hold duration     

Optimizing the flattening filter free beam selection in RapidArc?-based stereotactic body radiotherapy for Stage I lung cancer

Objective:

To optimize the flattening filter-free (FFF) beam selection in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment for Stage I lung cancer in different fraction schemes.

Methods:

Treatment plans from 12 patients suffering from Stage I lung cancer were designed using the 6XFFF and 10XFFF beams in different fraction schemes of 4 × 12, 3 × 18 and 1 × 34 Gy. Plans were evaluated mainly in terms of organs at risk (OARs) sparing, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) estimation and treatment efficiency.

Results:

Compared with the 10XFFF beam, 6XFFF beam showed statistically significant lower dose to all the OARs investigated. The percentage of NTCP reduction for both lung and chest wall was about 10% in the fraction schemes of 4 × 12 and 3 × 18 Gy, whereas only 7.4% and 2.6% was obtained in the 1 × 34 Gy scheme. For oesophagus, heart and spinal cord, the reduction was greater with the 6XFFF beam, but their absolute estimates were <10⁻⁶%. The mean beam-on time for 6XFFF and 10XFFF beams at 4 × 12, 3 × 18 and 1 × 34 Gy schemes were 2.2 ± 0.2 vs 1.5 ± 0.1, 3.3 ± 0.9 vs 2.0 ± 0.5 and 6.3 ± 0.9 vs 3.5 ± 0.4 min, respectively.

Conclusion:

The 6XFFF beam obtains better OARs sparing and lower incidence of NTCP in SBRT treatment of Stage I lung cancer, whereas the 10XFFF beam improves the treatment efficiency. To balance the OARs sparing and intrafractional variation owing to the prolonged treatment time, the authors recommend using the 6XFFF beam in the 4 × 12 and 3 × 18 Gy schemes but the 10XFFF beam in the 1 × 34 Gy scheme.

Advances in knowledge:

This study optimizes the FFF beam selection in different fraction schemes in SBRT treatment of Stage I lung cancer.     

浸润型胸腺瘤术后单能与混合能量光子束调强放疗计划剂量学分析

目的 比较浸润型胸腺瘤术后患者单能与混合能量光子束调强放射治疗(IMRT)计划之间剂量学差异,探讨混合能量光子束计划在临床的应用价值。方法 随机抽取12例胸腺瘤术后病例的CT定位图像,在治疗计划系统上勾画临床靶体积(CTV)并外扩为计划靶体积(PTV)、危及器官(OAR)及其他正常组织。每个病例分别制定6和10 MV与混合能量光子束的3种固定野调强放疗(FF-IMRT)计划,优化与计算剂量后统计各种计划的机器跳数(MU),并使用剂量体积直方图(DVH)工具比较PTV的体积剂量、适形指数(CI)、均匀指数(HI)和OAR剂量。结果 PTV近似最大剂量D_2%混合能量光子束计划优于6 MV光子束(t=3.107,P <0.05);6 MV光子束HI与混合能量光子束计划比较,差异有统计学意义(t=2.924,P<0.05);CI三者之间差异均有统计学意义。6 MV计划的MU大于10 MV及混合光子束计划。双侧肺V₅、V₁₀、V₂₀、V₃₀和平均剂量(D_mean)指标各个类型计划之间大部分差异有统计学意义,且混合能量光子束计划优于其他两种计划。心脏V₃₀、V₄₀指标6 MV与混合光子计划的结果接近,但均优于10 MV光子束的计划。结论 混合能量光子束IMRT计划如果合理选择射野角度和射野数量,依据入射角度选择光子束的能量,可充分利用低能及高能光子束的不同特点,总体上可以改善IMRT计划的质量,对于浸润型胸腺瘤术后病例具有一定的临床参考价值。     

Dosimetric evaluation of compensator intensity modulation-based stereotactic body radiotherapy for Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer

Objective:

To evaluate the dosimetry of compensator intensity modulation-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) [non-coplanar intensity-modulated radiotherapy (ncIMRT)], its use was compared with that of three-dimensional conformation-based SBRT, for patients with Stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

21 consecutive patients with Stage I NSCLC were treated with ncIMRT or SBRT at Tokyo Medical University. To compare the two techniques, ncIMRT and SBRT plans for each patient were generated, where the planning target volume (PTV) coverages were adjusted to be equivalent to each other. The prescribed dose was set as 75 Gy in 30 fractions. PTV coverage, conformity index, conformation number (CN) and homogeneity index (HI) were used to compare the two strategies.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between PTV coverage for the 100%, 95% and 90% dose levels in the SBRT plan and those in the ncIMRT plan. The CN values were 0.53 ± 0.13 in the SBRT plan and 0.72 ± 0.10 in the ncIMRT plan. These values were significantly better than those of the SBRT plan (p < 0.001). The HI in the ncIMRT plan was 1.04 ± 0.03%, which was also significantly better than that of SBRT.

Conclusion:

The ncIMRT plan provided superior conformity and reduced the doses to the lung for patients with Stage I NSCLC.

Advances in knowledge:

The delivery technique with compensator intensity modulation-based SBRT was evaluated. Concerning target motion, this is thought to be more robust and safer than SBRT for early-stage NSCLC.Population-based studies have shown that approximately half of patients with radically treatable Stage I to III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been diagnosed as Stage I.^1,2 Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was considered to be a treatment option for patients with Stage I NSCLC who were unsuitable for surgery. In most studies, the SBRT outcomes were comparable with surgery in terms of local control and survival.^3,4 Therefore, the use of SBRT for patients with Stage I NSCLC has gradually increased in number.⁵Videtic et al⁶ first reported excellent local control for Stage I NSCLC when using SBRT based on intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Recently, a new type of IMRT named volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has also been introduced into clinical use. However, the IMRT dose delivery obtained by moving multileaf collimators was not consistent for a moving target.^7–10 By contrast, IMRT using compensated filter was capable of providing constant beams to a moving target and was consistent in the delivered dose distribution.^8,11,12 Furthermore, adjustment of respiratory-induced tumour motion is difficult^13,14 when multileaf collimators were used. We think gated irradiation using IMRT-compensated filter is an ideal method for moving targets. However, when using a compensator intensity modulation-based SBRT [non-coplanar IMRT (ncIMRT)] plan, the dosimetric benefit remains unknown for Stage I NSCLC. Thus, we investigated the benefits of the dose distribution of the ncIMRT plan for Stage I NSCLC via a comparison of the dosimetric parameters.     

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for adrenal oligometastasis in lung cancer patients

Objective:To report our experience on stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in adrenal metastases from lung cancer.Methods:37 oligometastatic lung cancer patients with 38 adrenal metastases submitted to SBRT were retrospectively analyzed. SBRT was delivered by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) or helical tomotherapy (HT). Primary study end point was local recurrence-free survival (LR-FS) and secondary end points were distant-progression free survival (d-PFS) and overall survival (OS).Results:Median age was 67 years and primary tumor was non-small-cell lung cancer in 27 (73%) and small-cell lung cancer in 10 (27%) patients. Adrenal metastases were in the left side in 66% cases. Median prescribed dose was 30 Gy in 5 fractions for a median biologically equivalent dose (α/β ratio 10  Gy, BED10) of 48 Gy. Most patients (62%) were submitted to SBRT alone, while the others (38%) received chemo-, immune- or target- therapies. Median follow-up was 10.5 months, median OS 16 months and median d-PFS 3 months. 27 (70%) patients obtained a local control with a median LR-FS of 32 months. LR-FS was significantly related to BED10 with a better LC with BED10 ≥72 Gy, 1- and 2 year LR-FS rates were 54.1±11.6% and 45±12.7% vs 100 and 100% for BED ≤59.5 Gy and BED ≥72 Gy, respectively (p = 0.05). There was no severe toxicity.Conclusion:SBRT was effective and safe in lung cancer adrenal metastases. A dose–response relationship was found between BED10 >72 Gy and better local control. No significant toxicity was registered thanks to the respect of dose constraints and suspension of chemo- and target-therapies.Advances in knowledge:SBRT with a BED10 >72 Gy is an effective treatment for adrenal oligometastatic lung cancer patients.     

Gender is a determinant of carotid artery stiffness independent of age and blood pressure

Objective:To identify the gender-specific differences in carotid artery structural and stiffening parameters by radiofrequency ultrasound (RFU) with an automatic arterial stiffness analyzing system.Methods:Seventy-two consecutive individuals (32 males and 40 females, age range from 36 to 62 years) with no history of significant cardiovascular diseases or carotid artery plaques were enrolled between September and December 2017. Quality intima-media thickness (QIMT) and quality arterial stiffness (QAS) parameters were automatically computed, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), vascular distension, compliance coefficient (CC), distensibility coefficient (DC), stiffness index α and β, augmentation pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx). Those parameters were compared between males and females. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association between gender and RFU parameters.Results:The mean age had no difference between males and females (47.8 ± 3.3 vs 50.0 ± 8.5 years, p = 0.19). Females had higher systolic blood pressure (134.53 ± 9.65 vs 127.78 ± 6.12 mm Hg) and diastolic blood pressure (85.83 ± 3.94 vs 78.03 ± 5.22 mm Hg), greater carotid QIMT (598.73 ± 72.16 vs 550.84 ± 29.37 µm), advanced PWV (8.08 ± 1.60 vs 6.24 ± 0.70 m/s), higher stiffness index α (6.21 ± 1.94 vs 3.95 ± 0.78) and β (9.43 ± 3.17 vs 6.38 ± 0.78), higher AP (6.68 ± 2.24 vs 3.64 ± 1.22 mm Hg) and AIx (7.42 ± 2.08 vs 4.69 ± 1.26%), all p < 0.001. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated gender was independently associated with carotid structural and elastic parameters.Conclusion:Gender independently impacts carotid structure and function, with females more vulnerable to the progression of arterial aging. Awareness of the gender differences on the risk stratification of carotid artery disease will benefit reliable assessments and specific management recommendations in clinical practice.Advances in knowledge:(1) RFU provides an μm-unit quality IMT measurement and multiple quality arterial stiffness parameters. (2) Gender is an independent determinant in both the arterial structural and elastic aspects, with females of stiffer arteries in low CVD risk individuals.     

Vaginal displacement during course of adjuvant radiation for cervical cancer: results from a prospective IG-IMRT study

Objective:

To compare internal target volume (ITV) generated using population-based displacements (ITV_study) with empty and full bladder scan fusion (ITV_EBFB) for organ-at-risk (OAR) doses during adjuvant intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer.

Methods:

From January 2011 to October 2012, patients undergoing IMRT were included. CT simulation was carried out after inserting vault markers. Planning target volume (PTV)_EBFB received 50 Gy per 25 fractions. Pre-treatment megavoltage CT (MVCT) was performed. MVCTs were registered using bony landmarks with Day 1 MVCT. Displacement of the centre of mass of markers was measured along each axis. Directional ITV was calculated using mean ± 2 standard deviations (SDs) (ITV_study). Replanning was performed using PTV study, and OAR doses were compared with PTV_EBFB using Wilcoxon test.

Results:

A total of 348/386 data sets were evaluable for 16 patients. The median vaginal displacement was 1.2 mm (SD, 1.3 mm), 4.0 mm (SD, 3.5 mm) and 2.8 mm (SD, 3.3 mm) in the mediolateral, superoinferior and anteroposterior directions, respectively. The ITV margins were 4.1, 10.3 and 10.6 mm. ITV_study and ITV_EBFB were 115.2 cm³ (87.7–152.2 cm³) and 151 cm³ (95.7–277.1 cm³) (p < 0.0001), respectively. PTV_study and PTV_EBFB were 814 and 881 cm³ (p < 0.0001), respectively. Median doses to the bladder were lower with the PTV_study (46.2 Gy vs 43.2 Gy; p = 0.0001), and a similar trend was observed in the volume of the small bowel receiving 40 Gy (68.2 vs 60.1 cm³; p = 0.09).

Conclusion:

Population-based PTV margins can lead to reduction in OAR doses.

Advances in knowledge:

Population-based ITV may reduce OAR doses while executing adjuvant IMRT for cervical cancer.Adjuvant pelvic radiation for cervical and endometrial cancers is recommended in patients with adverse histopathological features following surgery.^1,2 Although it improves outcomes, it is associated with increased acute and late bowel morbidity.^1,2 Recently published results of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Phase II study demonstrate that the use of pelvic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is associated with reduced treatment-related acute and short-term gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, and this can be achieved without worsening disease control.³ However, implementing IMRT may be challenging owing to the unpredictable nature of vaginal displacements during the course of external radiation. Therefore, the RTOG recommends that for planning IMRT, both empty and full bladder (EBFB) scans should be obtained for localizing residual vagina and for generating the internal target volume (ITV).⁴ These recommendations are being followed by two ongoing Phase III randomized controlled trials that aim at reducing acute and late bowel toxicity of adjuvant pelvic radiation.^5,6 Although this strategy may ensure that all extreme displacements arising out of variations in bladder filling are accounted for, this may result in increased planning target volume (PTV) and thereby increased dose to adjacent organs at risk (OAR). Strong correlation has been reported between the dose received by the bowel and late bowel morbidity after adjuvant pelvic radiation for cervical cancer.⁷ The present study was initiated with an aim of evaluating vaginal displacement for the post-hysterectomy cohort and to investigate if population-based ITV could reduce dose to OARs.     

直肠癌调强放疗计划中六维随机摆位误差的剂量学影响研究

目的 设计一种软件将随机六维摆位误差引入到直肠癌调强放疗(IMRT)计划中,并评估其剂量学影响。方法 随机选取21例直肠癌IMRT计划作为参考计划(单次剂量 2 Gy, 共50 Gy;PTV为CTV均匀外扩5 mm)。对参考计划的每个分次,通过调整射野几何参数的方法引入随机生成的六维摆位误差,并重新完成剂量计算。再将各分次剂量累加后得到存在摆位误差情况下的总剂量分布。基于美国瓦里安Eclipse脚本应用程序接口(ESAPI)开发能够自动完成上述流程的治疗模拟软件,将服从两种预设分布[分布1:平移误差服从N(0,4²),旋转误差服从N(0,2²);分布2:平移误差服从N(0,2²),旋转误差服从N(0,1²)]的六维摆位误差引入参考计划,并评估剂量学影响。结果 参考计划、误差分布1和误差分布2情况下,CTV的D_min分别为(49.4±0.41)、(47.56±0.76)和(49.17±0.64)Gy;CTV的D_98%分别为(50.23±0.07)、(49.98±0.10)和(50.27±0.09)Gy;主体靶区(靶区除去边缘后的内核部分)D_98%为(50.25±0.08)、(50.42±0.13)和(50.33±0.10)Gy;边缘靶区D_98%为(50.22±0.10)、(49.88±0.11) 和(50.26±0.10)Gy。另外,相比参考计划,误差分布1和2的情况下,膀胱和股骨头平均受量的变化差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),剂量分布的适形指数虽有微弱降低,但临床意义有限。结论 本方法及据此开发的治疗模拟软件可以根据需要将服从不同分布的六维摆位误差引入到直肠癌IMRT计划中,并给出总体剂量学变化情况。