Monte Carlo simulation of a dynamic MLC: Implementation and applications

PurposeStudy of behavior and influence of a multileaf collimator (MLC) on dose calculation, verification, and portal energy spectra in the case of intensity-modulated fields obtained with a step-and-shoot or a dynamic technique.MethodsThe 80-leaf MLC for the Varian Clinac 2300 C/D was implemented in a previously developed Monte Carlo (MC) based multiple source model (MSM) for a 6 MV photon beam. Using this model and the MC program GEANT, dose distributions, energy fluence maps and energy spectra at different portal planes were calculated for three different MLC applications.ResultsThe comparison of MC-calculated dose distributions in the phantom and portal plane, with those measured with films showed an agreement within 3 % and 1.5 mm for all cases studied. The deviations mainly occur in the extremes of the intensity modulation. The MC method allows to investigate, among other aspects, dose components, energy fluence maps, tongue-and-groove effects and energy spectra at portal planes.ConclusionThe MSM together with the implementation of the MLC is appropriate for a number of investigations in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).     

Quality assurance for dynamic tumor tracking

The purpose of this work was to develop a treatment plan verification routine for a linear accelerator dedicated to SBRT treatments with gimbal based dynamic tumor tracking using three commercially available phantoms.The accelerator system has two special features: It operates with a rotation of the ring shaped gantry instead of a couch rotation and target motion can be compensated for via a gimbal system (dynamic tumor tracking, DTT). DTT plans were each measured with the three different phantoms. Afterwards the measured dose distribution was compared with the calculated dose distribution via global Gamma Index analysis (3 mm / 3%, threshold: 10%).The global gamma pass rates were on average (93.5 ± 7.2) % for ArcCHECK, (98.0 ± 2.6) % for OCTAVIUS® 4D and (98.4 ± 4.2) % for MatriXX Evolution.All three systems could be used for quality assurance with ring rotations and DTT, however, each with limitations.     

A Dosimetric Analysis of Modified Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for Bone Marrow Sparing Radiotherapy in Cervical Cancer-An alternative Approach to Conventional VMAT

Background: External beam radiotherapy remains the primary treatment modality in cervical cancer. Nowadays Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) are increasingly being used to reduce normal tissue toxicity. The drawback of conventional  VMAT is that a considerable volume of pelvic bone marrow receives a low dose. aim: We analyzed whether there was a way to reduce the volume of the low dose regions of bone marrow, and assessed the potential benefit of conventional-4Arc (C-4Arc VMAT), and Modified-4Arc (M-4Arc VMAT) over the conventional 2 ARC VMAT. Materials And Methods: Twelve clinically proven locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy by Conventional VMAT (RapidArc) in dual rotation mode (C-2Arc VMAT) were selected for this study.C-4Arc VMAT and M-4Arc VMAT dose plans were generated for these twelve patients and these three different types of plans were evaluated for the quality and compared dosimetrically. Results: M-4Arc VMAT designs exhibited a greater bone marrow sparing when compared with conventional VMATs with respect to volume receiving 5Gy to 35Gy without compromising PTV dose coverage. M-4Arc VMAT plans, the bone marrow volume receiving 30 Gy (V30Gy),40Gy (V40Gy), and mean doses were lower than the C- 4 Arc plan and a similar result was observed for V50(Gy) also when comparing with the standard 2 Arc plan. In modified VMAT plans, the rectum and bladder dose volumes were lower than standard VMAT. Similarly, the bowel bag V35(Gy), V40(Gy), V50(Gy), mean doses. The right and left femoral head doses were reduced significantly when compared to conventional VMAT plans. Conclusion: The M-4Arc VMAT plans are better than the C-2Arc and C-4Arc VMAT plans for reducing the dose to bone marrow by limiting the MLC field width travel.     

Target localization and real-time tracking using the Calypso 4D localization system in patients with localized prostate cancer

PURPOSE: The Calypso 4D Localization System is being developed to provide accurate, precise, objective, and continuous target localization during radiotherapy. This study involves the first human use of the system, to evaluate the localization accuracy of this technique compared with radiographic localization and to assess its ability to obtain real-time prostate-motion information. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three transponders were implanted in each of 20 patients. Eleven eligible patients of the 20 patients participated in a study arm that compared radiographic triangulated transponder locations to electromagnetically recorded transponder locations. Transponders were tracked for 8-min periods. RESULTS: The implantations were all successful, with no major complications. Intertransponder distances were largely stable. Comparison of the patient localization on the basis of transponder locations as per the Calypso system with the radiographic transponder localization showed an average (+/-SD) 3D difference of 1.5 +/- 0.9 mm. Upon tracking during 8 min, 2 of the 11 patients showed significant organ motion (>1 cm), with some motion lasting longer that 1 min. CONCLUSION: Calypso transponders can be used as magnetic intraprostatic fiducials. Clinical evaluation of this novel 4D nonionizing electromagnetic localization system with transponders indicates a comparable localization accuracy to isocenter, (within 2 mm) compared with X-ray localization.     

Volumetric modulation arc radiotherapy with flattening filter-free beams compared with conventional beams for nasopharyngeal carcinoma:a feasibility study

There is increasing interest in the clinical use of flattening filter-free(FFF) beams.In this study,we aimed to investigate the dosimetric characteristics of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy(VMAT) with FFF beams for nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Ten NPC patients were randomly selected to undergo a RapidArc plan with either FFF beams(RA-FFF) or conventional beams(RA-C).The doses to the planning target volumes(PTVs),organs at risk(OARs),and normal tissues were compared.The technical delivery parameters for RapidArc plans were also assessed to compare the characteristics of FFF and conventional beams.Both techniques delivered adequate doses to PTVs.For PTVs,RA-C delivered lower maximum and mean doses and improved conformity and homogeneity compared with RA-FFF.Both techniques provided similar maximum doses to the optic nerves and lenses.For the brain stem,spinal cord,larynx,parotid glands,oral cavity,and skin,RA-FFF showed significant dose increases compared to RA-C.The dose to normal tissue was lower in RA-FFF.The monitor units(MUs) were(536 ± 46) MU for RA-FFF and(501± 25) MU for RA-C.The treatment duration did not significantly differbetween plans.Although both treatment plans could meet clinical needs,RA-C is dosimetrically superior to RA-FFF for NPC radiotherapy.     

Multi-institutional clinical experience with the Calypso System in localization and continuous, real-time monitoring of the prostate gland during external radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To report the clinical experience with an electromagnetic treatment target positioning and continuous monitoring system in patients with localized prostate cancer receiving external beam radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Calypso System is a target positioning device that continuously monitors the location of three implanted electromagnetic transponders at a rate of 10 Hz. The system was used at five centers to position 41 patients over a full course of therapy. Electromagnetic positioning was compared to setup using skin marks and to stereoscopic X-ray localization of the transponders. Continuous monitoring was performed in 35 patients. RESULTS: The difference between skin mark vs. the Calypso System alignment was found to be >5 mm in vector length in more than 75% of fractions. Comparisons between the Calypso System and X-ray localization showed good agreement. Qualitatively, the continuous motion was unpredictable and varied from persistent drift to transient rapid movements. Displacements > or =3 and > or =5 mm for cumulative durations of at least 30 s were observed during 41% and 15% of sessions. In individual patients, the number of fractions with displacements > or =3 mm ranged from 3% to 87%; whereas the number of fractions with displacements > or =5 mm ranged from 0% to 56%. CONCLUSION: The Calypso System is a clinically efficient and objective localization method for positioning prostate patients undergoing radiotherapy. Initial treatment setup can be performed rapidly, accurately, and objectively before radiation delivery. The extent and frequency of prostate motion during radiotherapy delivery can be easily monitored and used for motion management.     

Radiotherapy of malignant gliomas: Comparison of volumetric single arc technique (RapidArc), dynamic intensity-modulated technique and 3D conformal technique

Purpose

The analysis was designed to identify the optimal radiation technique for patients with malignant glioma.

Methods

A volumetric-modulated radiation treatment technique (RapidArc), an IMRT technique and a 3D conformal technique were calculated on computed tomograms of 14 consecutive patients with malignant glioma. The treatment plans were compared with each other using dose-volume histograms.

Results

The 3D conformal technique showed a good PTV coverage, if PTV was distant to organs at risk (OAR). If PTV was nearby OAR, the 3D technique revealed a poor PTV coverage in contrast to both intensity-modulated techniques. The conventional IMRT technique showed a slightly better PTV coverage than RapidArc. The advantages of RapidArc were a shorter treatment time, less monitor units and a small V_107%.

Conclusions

If PTV is distant to OAR, the use of 3D conformal technique is sufficient. Otherwise an intensity-modulated technique should be used. RapidArc was faster than conventional IMRT and should be preferred if PTV coverage is adequate.     

Rotational radiotherapy for prostate cancer in clinical practice

Background and purpose

Radiotherapy is the standard treatment in locally advanced prostate cancer. The latest technological improvement is modulated rotational radiotherapy, where one single rotation of the treatment machine is used to conform the dose delivery to the target and spare organs at risk, requiring less than 2 min of beam-on time per treatment fraction.

Materials and methods

We report herein our experience from the first 46 patients treated for prostate cancer, clinical stage T1-3 with rotational therapy (“RapidArc®”, Varian Medical systems) (RA). This patient group is compared to a group of 50 patients treated with a 5-field Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) technique over the same period. The comparison parameters include target coverage, dose to OAR, treatment time and number of monitor units. Daily-IGRT using implanted gold markers is used before and after treatment to investigate intra-fractional prostate displacement.

Results

RA results in improved sparing of the rectum and achieves desired dose distributions with fewer monitor units and a shorter treatment time (<1.5 min versus up to 8.9 min with IMRT). This shorter treatment time also translates in a decreased risk of patient motion during treatment: daily-IGRT demonstrates reduced prostate motion (<3 mm 3D vector) from 16.7% to 4.7% in RA patients. Only slight side-effects were seen in the two groups of patients.

Conclusions

RA results in improved sparing of the rectum, however, at the expense of an increase in dose to the femoral heads in prostate patients. The treatment time is significantly reduced from 4.9 min on average with 5-field IMRT to 1.1 min with RA, which allows for a reduction of infractional prostate motion.     

Rapid delivery of stereotactic radiotherapy for peripheral lung tumors using volumetric intensity-modulated arcs

The delivery of high dose conventional stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with stage I lung tumors generally takes 30–45 min per fraction. The novel volumetric intensity-modulated arc therapy (RA) for planning and delivery enabled much faster treatment for three patients with different fractionation schemes. This reduces the risk of intrafraction motion and is more patient friendly. In addition, in comparison to the conventional plans using 10 static non-coplanar fields, RA plans achieved superior dose conformity around the PTV and reduced chest wall doses.     

前列腺癌同步加量放疗dIMRT和RapidArc比较研究

目的 前列腺大分割照射与盆腔常规分割预防照射相结合的同步加量放疗可提高前列腺癌临床疗效,本研究比较固定野动态调强(dynamic intensity modulated radiotherapy,dIMRT)与快速旋转调强(RapidArc)在前列腺癌同步加量放疗中的剂量分布、治疗效率和执行精度的差异,为临床应用提供参考.方法 选取2013-01-04-2013-12-31在中山大学肿瘤防治中心行放疗的10例前列腺癌高危风险患者,靶区包括前列腺、精囊和盆腔淋巴结.以相同的剂量目标和优化参数分别设计9野dIMRT、单弧和双弧RapidArc同步加量治疗计划,分别用9F、1ARC和2ARC表示.比较分析3种计划的靶区剂量学特点,直肠、膀胱、小肠和双侧股骨头等危及器官的受照剂量及体积,机器跳数,治疗时间以及剂量验证通过率.结果 对于PTV1,9F的D2％为(69.37±0.89) Gy,D50％为(66.92±0.63) Gy,HI为0.09±0.02,CI为0.83±0.05;1ARC的D2％为(71.13±1.21) Gy,D50％为(68.50±0.76) Gy,HI为0.12±0.02,CI为0.74±0.07;9F均优于1ARC,差异均有统计学意义,P＜0.05;9F与2ARC的各参数差异均无统计学意义,P＞0.05.对于PTV2,9F的V5％为(99.45±0.78)％,优于1ARC的(99.35±1.28)％,差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05;9F与2ARC各参数的差异均无统计学意义,P＞0.05.对于膀胱Dmean,3组计划差异无统计学意义,P＞0.05;对于直肠V67.5Gy,9F与2ARC的差异无统计学意义,P＞0.05;对于左右股骨头Dmean,1ARC和2ARC低于9F,差异有统计学意义,P＜0.05;各OAR其余评价指标9F均低于1ARC和2ARC,差异均有统计学意义,P＜0.05.1ARC和2ARC相比于9F机器跳数平均减少了70.0％和67.2％,治疗时间平均缩短了81.7％和61.0％.9F、1ARC和2ARC的3％/3 mm标准的γ通过率分别为97.8％、98.9％和99.4％,差异均具有统计学意义,P＜0.05.结论 相比于dIMRT,RapidArc可显著提高治疗效率,其双弧计划具有相仿的靶区覆盖,但对膀胱、直肠和小肠的保护更差,dIMRT更适用于前列腺癌同步加量放射治疗.     

Clinical evaluation of dynamic arc conformal radiotherapy for paraaortic lymph node metastasis.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dynamic arc conformal radiotherapy, a simple intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), for the treatment of paraaortic lymph node metastases.Materials and METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with paraaortic lymph node metastases were enrolled in this study. The total planned dose was 55-60 Gy. A computed tomography (CT) simulator was used in the treatment planning.RESULTS: The total radiation dose delivered was 50-63.4 Gy (median 60 Gy). Sixteen of 29 patients showed local tumor shrinkage on CT, and the 2 year in-field recurrence free survival rate was 58%. Acute Grade 1 and Grade 2 gastrointestinal disorders occurred in 31% and 17%, respectively, and acute Grade 2 liver dysfunction occurred in 7%. As a late complication, Grade 1 and Grade 2 liver dysfunction occurred in six patients (21%) and five patients (17%), respectively. There was no renal dysfunction or myelopathy detected.CONCLUSION: Dynamic arc conformal radiotherapy, a simple IMRT, is a safe and effective treatment method for paraaortic lymph node metastasis.     

Re-irradiation of metastatic spinal cord compression: A feasibility study by volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy for in-field recurrence creating a dosimetric hole on the central canal

When local recurrences arise within an irradiated region involving metastatic spinal cord compression, the dose limit to the spinal cord reduces the chance to re-treat the patient by 3D-conformational RT technique. The possibility of using volumetric modulated arc RT by RapidArc was evaluated for dose sparing at spinal cord level and preserving target coverage. A clinically satisfactory PTV coverage and dose sparing to the spinal cord were obtained. An upcoming trial on patients will provide clinical outcomes.     

Automated analysis of images acquired with electronic portal imaging device during delivery of quality assurance plans for inversely optimized arc therapy

This work presents an automated method for comprehensively analyzing EPID images acquired for quality assurance of RapidArc® treatment delivery. In-house-developed software has been used for the analysis and long-term results from measurements on three linacs are presented.