Pelvic Ewing sarcomas

Purpose

The goal of the present work was to assess the potential advantage of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) over three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) planning in pelvic Ewing’s sarcoma.

Patients and methods

A total of 8 patients with Ewing sarcoma of the pelvis undergoing radiotherapy were analyzed. Plans for 3D-CRT and IMRT were calculated for each patient. Dose coverage of the planning target volume (PTV), conformity and homogeneity indices, as well as further parameters were evaluated.

Results

The average dose coverage values for PTV were comparable in 3D-CRT and IMRT plans. Both techniques had a PTV coverage of V₉₅ >?98?% in all patients. Whereas the IMRT plans achieved a higher conformity index compared to the 3D-CRT plans (conformity index 0.79?±?0.12 vs. 0.54?±?0.19, p?=?0.012), the dose distribution across the target volumes was less homogeneous with IMRT planning than with 3D-CRT planning. This difference was statistically significant (homogeneity index 0.11?±?0.03 vs. 0.07?±?0.0, p?=?0.035). For the bowel, D_mean and D_1%, as well as V₂ to V₆₀ were reduced in IMRT plans. For the bladder and the rectum, there was no significant difference in D_mean. However, the percentages of volumes receiving at least doses of 30, 40, 45, and 50 Gy (V₃₀ to V₅₀) were lower for the rectum in IMRT plans. The volume of normal tissue receiving at least 2 Gy (V₂) was significantly higher in IMRT plans compared with 3D-CRT, whereas at high dose levels (V₃₀) it was significantly lower.

Conclusion

Compared to 3D-CRT, IMRT showed significantly better results regarding dose conformity (p?=?0.012) and bowel sparing at dose levels above 30 Gy (p?=?0.012). Thus, dose escalation in the radiotherapy of pelvic Ewing’s sarcoma can be more easily achieved using IMRT.     

Clinical relevance of different dose calculation strategies for mediastinal IMRT in Hodgkin’s disease

Background and purpose

Conventional algorithms show uncertainties in dose calculation already for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) might even increase these. We wanted to assess differences in dose distribution for pencil beam (PB), collapsed cone (CC), and Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm for both 3D-CRT and IMRT in patients with mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma.

Patients and methods

Based on 20?computed tomograph (CT) datasets of patients with mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma, we created treatment plans according to the guidelines of the German Hodgkin Study Group (GHSG) with PB and CC algorithm for 3D-CRT and with PB and MC algorithm for IMRT. Doses were compared for planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk.

Results

For 3D-CRT, PB overestimated PTV₉₅ and V₂₀ of the lung by 6.9% and 3.3% and underestimated V₁₀ of the lung by 5.8%, compared to the CC algorithm. For IMRT, PB overestimated PTV₉₅, V₂₀ of the lung, V₂₅ of the heart and V₁₀ of the female left/right breast by 8.1%, 25.8%, 14.0% and 43.6%/189.1%, and underestimated V₁₀ of the lung, V₄ of the heart and V₄ of the female left/right breast by 6.3%, 6.8% and 23.2%/15.6%, compared to MC.

Conclusion

The PB algorithm underestimates low doses to the organs at risk and overestimates dose to PTV and high doses to the organs at risk. For 3D-CRT, a well-modeled PB algorithm is clinically acceptable; for IMRT planning, however, an advanced algorithm such as CC or MC should be used at least for part of the plan optimization.     

Node-positive left-sided breast cancer: does VMAT improve treatment plan quality with respect to IMRT?

Purpose

The aim of the present work was to explore plan quality and dosimetric accuracy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for lymph node-positive left-sided breast cancer.

Methods

VMAT and IMRT plans were generated with the Pinnacle³ V9.0 treatment planning system for 10 lymph node-positive left-sided breast cancer patients. VMAT plans were created using a single arc and IMRT was performed with 4 beams using 6, 10, and 15 MV photon energy, respectively. Plans were evaluated both manually and automatically using ArtiView?. Dosimetric plan verification was performed with a 2D ionization chamber array placed in a full scatter phantom.

Results

Photon energy had no significant influence on plan quality for both VMAT and IMRT. Large variability in low doses to the heart was found due to patient anatomy (range V_5 Gy 26.5–95?%). Slightly more normal tissue dose was found for VMAT (e.g., V_Tissue30%?=?22?%) than in IMRT (V_Tissue30%?=?18?%). The manual and ArtiView? plan evaluation coincided very accurately for most dose metrics (difference <?1?%). In VMAT, 96.7?% of detector points passed the 3?%/3 mm gamma criterion; marginally better accuracy was found in IMRT (98.3?%).

Conclusion

VMAT for node-positive left-sided breast cancer retains target homogeneity and coverage when compared to IMRT and allows maximum doses to organs at risk to be reduced. ArtiView? enables fast and accurate plan evaluation.     

Quasi-VMAT in high-grade glioma radiation therapy

Purpose

To compare a quasi-volumetric modulated arc therapy (qVMAT) with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for the treatment of high-grade gliomas. The qVMAT technique is a fast method of radiation therapy in which multiple equispaced beams analogous to those in rotation therapy are radiated in succession.

Patients and methods

This study included 12 patients with a planning target volume (PTV) that overlapped at least one organ at risk (OAR). 3D-CRT was planned using 2–3 non-coplanar beams, whereby the field-in-field technique (FIF) was used to divide each field into 1–3 subfields to shield the OAR. The qVMAT strategy was planned with 15 equispaced beams and IMRT was planned using 9 beams with a total of 80 segments. Inverse planning for qVMAT and IMRT was performed by direct machine parameter optimization (DMPO) to deliver a homogenous dose distribution of 60 Gy within the PTV and simultaneously limit the dose received by the OARs to the recommended values. Finally, the effect of introducing a maximum dose objective (max. dose <?54 Gy) for a virtual OAR in the form of a 0.5 cm ring around the PTV was investigated.

Results

The qVMAT method gave rise to significantly improved PTV_95% and conformity index (CI) values in comparison to 3D-CRT (PTV_95%?=?90.7?% vs. 82.0?%; CI?=?0.79 vs. 0.74, respectively). A further improvement was achieved by IMRT (PTV_95%?=?94.4?%, CI?=?0.78). In qVMAT and IMRT, the addition of a 0.5 cm ring around the PTV produced a significant increase in CI (0.87 and 0.88, respectively), but dosage homogeneity within the PTV was considerably reduced (PTV_95%?=?88.5?% and 92.3?%, respectively). The time required for qVMAT dose delivery was similar to that required using 3D-CRT.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that qVMAT should be preferred to 3D-CRT for the treatment of high-grade gliomas. The qVMAT method could be applied in hospitals, for example, which have limited departmental resources and are not equipped with systems capable of VMAT delivery.     

Assessment of renal function after conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy by functional 1 H-MRI and 23 Na-MRI

Purpose

Adjuvant radiochemotherapy (RCHT) improves survival of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Conventional three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) results in ablative doses to a significant amount of the left kidney, while image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) provides excellent target coverage with improved kidney sparing. Few long-term results on IMRT for gastric cancer, however, have been published. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 3.0?T including blood oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and, for the first time, ²³Na imaging was used to evaluate renal status after radiotherapy with 3D-CRT or IG-IMRT.

Patients and methods

Four disease-free patients (2 after 3D-CRT and 2 after IMRT; FU for all patients >?5?years) were included in this feasibility study. Morphological sequences, axial DWI images, 2D-gradient echo (GRE)-BOLD images, and ²³Na images were acquired. Mean values/standard deviations for (²³Na), the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and R2* values were calculated for the upper/middle/lower parts of both kidneys. Corticomedullary ²³Na-concentration gradients were determined.

Results

Surprisingly, IG-IMRT patients showed no morphological alterations and no statistically significant differences of ADC and R2* values in all renal parts. Values for mean corticomedullary ²³Na-concentration matched those for healthy volunteers. Results were similar in 3D-CRT patients, except for the cranial part of the left kidney. This was atrophic and presented significantly reduced functional parameters (p?=?0.001??p?=?0.033). Reduced ADC values indicated reduced cell density and reduced extracellular space. Cortical and medullary R2* values of the left cranial kidney in the 3D-CRT group were higher, indicating more deoxygenated hemoglobin due to reduced blood flow/oxygenation. (²³Na) of the renal cranial parts in the 3D-CRT group was significantly reduced, while the expected corticomedullary ²³Na-concentration gradient was partially conserved.

Conclusions

Functional MRI can assess postradiotherapeutic renal changes. As expected, marked morphological/functional effects were observed in high-dose areas (3D-CRT), while, unexpectedly, no alteration in kidney function was observed in IG-IMRT patients, supporting the hypothesis that reducing total/fractional dose to the renal parenchyma by IMRT is clinically beneficial.     

Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for esophageal cancer

A treatment planning study was performed to evaluate the performance of volumetric arc modulation with RapidArc (RA) against 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and conventional intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques for esophageal cancer. Computed tomgraphy scans of 10 patients were included in the study. 3D-CRT, 4-field IMRT, and single-arc and double-arc RA plans were generated with the aim to spare organs at risk (OAR) and healthy tissue while enforcing highly conformal target coverage. The planning objective was to deliver 54 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV) in 30 fractions. Plans were evaluated based on target conformity and dose-volume histograms of organs at risk (lung, spinal cord, and heart). The monitor unit (MU) and treatment delivery time were also evaluated to measure the treatment efficiency. The IMRT plan improves target conformity and spares OAR when compared with 3D-CRT. Target conformity improved with RA plans compared with IMRT. The mean lung dose was similar in all techniques. However, RA plans showed a reduction in the volume of the lung irradiated at V_20Gy and V_30Gy dose levels (range, 4.62–17.98%) compared with IMRT plans. The mean dose and D_35% of heart for the RA plans were better than the IMRT by 0.5–5.8%. Mean V_10Gy and integral dose to healthy tissue were almost similar in all techniques. But RA plans resulted in a reduced low-level dose bath (15–20 Gy) in the range of 14–16% compared with IMRT plans. The average MU needed to deliver the prescribed dose by RA technique was reduced by 20–25% compared with IMRT technique. The preliminary study on RA for esophageal cancers showed improvements in sparing OAR and healthy tissue with reduced beam-on time, whereas only double-arc RA offered improved target coverage compared with IMRT and 3D-CRT plans.     

三维适形、逆向调强和旋转调强放疗技术治疗胸段食管癌的剂量学比较

目的 比较胸段食管癌3种放疗技术( 3D-CRT、IMRT、RapidArc)的剂量学特点,并分析3种技术的优劣及应用特点.方法 15例胸段食管癌患者入组,依据CT图像,勾画靶区,针对患者的同一套CT图像的相同靶区分别制定3D-CRT、5野IMRT(IMRT5)、7野IMRT( IMRT7)、9野IMRT(IMRT9)、单弧Arc( Arc1)、双弧Arc( Arc2)共6套计划.PTV处方剂量为40 Gy分20次4周+19.6 Gy分14次7d.结果 3D-CRT计划各项靶区剂量学参数明显差于IMRT计划及RapidArc计划(t=5.77、3.52,P＜0.05),6套计划的PTV V95(％)分别为:3D-CRT (91.55 ±2.90),IMRT5(96.66±1.05),IMRT7 (96.87±1.23),IMRT (96.81±1.16),Arcl (94.98±1.41),Arc2 (95.93±1.32).RapidArc计划的靶区适形度(CI)最好(t=3.76,10.01,P＜0.05),IMRT计划的靶区均匀性(HI)最好(t =3.93、3.37,P＜0.05).危及器官参数RapidArc与IMRT各计划之间差异无统计学意义.3D-CRT和RapidArc计划的机器跳数明显少于IMRT计划,差异高达75％.结论 对于胸段食管癌患者,采用IMRT或RapidArc技术可以在保护正常组织的同时,涵盖临床必需的治疗靶区.3D-CRT计划对降低正常组织低剂量散射区方面优势明显.RapidArc计划靶区剂量学参数与IMRT计划比较未见明显优势.     

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to retrospectively determine the value of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC), on outcome and treatment-related toxicity compared to 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT).

Materials and methods

A total of 175 consecutive patients were treated between 2007 and 2012 at our institution with curative intent RT and were included in this study: 90 were treated with 3D-CRT and 85 with IMRT. Oncologic outcomes were estimated using Kaplan–Meier statistics; acute and late toxicities were scored according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events scale v 3.0.

Results

Median follow-up was 35 months (range 32–42 months; 95% confidence interval 95?%). Two-year disease-free survival did not vary, regardless of the technique used (69?% for 3D-CRT vs. 72?%; for IMRT, p?=?0.16). Variables evaluated as severe late toxicities were all statistically lower with IMRT compared with 3D-CRT: xerostomia (0 vs. 12?%; p?<?0.0001), dysphagia (4 vs. 26?%; p?<?0.0001), and feeding-tube dependency (1 vs 13?%; p?=?0.0044). The rates of overall grade ≥?3 late toxicities for the IMRT and 3D-CRT groups were 4.1 vs. 41.4?%, respectively (p?<?0.0001).

Conclusion

IMRT for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer minimizes late dysphagia without jeopardizing tumor control and outcome.

     

Single-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (sVMAT) as adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer: Dosimetric comparisons with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

To compare the dosimetric differences between the single-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy (sVMAT), 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques in treatment planning for gastric cancer as adjuvant radiotherapy. Twelve patients were retrospectively analyzed. In each patient's case, the parameters were compared based on the dose-volume histogram (DVH) of the sVMAT, 3D-CRT, and IMRT plans, respectively. Three techniques showed similar target dose coverage. The maximum and mean doses of the target were significantly higher in the sVMAT plans than that in 3D-CRT plans and in the 3D-CRT/IMRT plans, respectively, but these differences were clinically acceptable. The IMRT and sVMAT plans successfully achieved better target dose conformity, reduced the V_20/30, and mean dose of the left kidney, as well as the V_20/30 of the liver, compared with the 3D-CRT plans. And the sVMAT technique reduced the V₂₀ of the liver much significantly. Although the maximum dose of the spinal cord were much higher in the IMRT and sVMAT plans, respectively (mean 36.4 vs 39.5 and 40.6 Gy), these data were still under the constraints. Not much difference was found in the analysis of the parameters of the right kidney, intestine, and heart. The IMRT and sVMAT plans achieved similar dose distribution to the target, but superior to the 3D-CRT plans, in adjuvant radiotherapy for gastric cancer. The sVMAT technique improved the dose sparings of the left kidney and liver, compared with the 3D-CRT technique, but showed few dosimetric advantages over the IMRT technique. Studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical benefits of the VMAT treatment for patients with gastric cancer after surgery in the future.     

Intensity modulated radiotherapy as neoadjuvant chemoradiation for the treatment of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Background

To evaluate outcome after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared to 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-RT) as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Materials and methods

In total, 57 patients with LAPC were treated with IMRT and chemotherapy. A median total dose of 45 Gy to the PTV__baseplan and 54 Gy to the PTV__boost in single doses of 1.8 Gy for the PTV__baseplan and median single doses of 2.2 Gy in the PTV__boost were applied. Outcomes were evaluated and compared to a large cohort of patients treated with 3D-RT.

Results

Overall treatment was well tolerated in all patients and IMRT could be completed without interruptions. Median overall survival was 11 months (range 5–37.5 months). Actuarial overall survival at 12 and 24 months was 36?% and 8?%, respectively. A significant impact on overall survival could only be observed for a decrease in CA 19-9 during treatment, patients with less pre-treatment CA 19-9 than the median, as well as weight loss during treatment. Local progression-free survival was 79?% after 6 months, 39?% after 12 months, and 13?% after 24 months. No factors significantly influencing local progression-free survival could be identified. There was no difference in overall and progression-free survival between 3D-RT and IMRT. Secondary resectability was similar in both groups (26?% vs. 28?%). Toxicity was comparable and consisted mainly of hematological toxicity due to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

IMRT leads to a comparable outcome compared to 3D-RT in patients with LAPC. In the future, the improved dose distribution, as well as advances in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) techniques, may improve the use of IMRT in local dose escalation strategies to potentially improve outcome.     

三维适形与简化调强放疗技术在非小细胞肺癌放疗中的剂量学比较

目的 用剂量学方法比较三维适形(3D-CRT)和简化调强放疗(sIMRT)技术用于治疗非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的差异。方法 选择接受放疗的10例NSCLC患者进行研究。对每例患者进行3D-CRT和sIMRT的治疗计划设计,处方剂量为60 Gy(2 Gy/次),所有计划都使95%靶区体积达到处方剂量要求。并用ADAC Pinnacl计划系统提供的卷积或迭加算法对两种放疗技术的治疗计划进行剂量计算,比较靶区剂量分布均匀性和适形性,以及危及正常组织剂量体积直方图参数。结果 3D-CRT与sIMRT放疗计划的等剂量线和DVH相近,sIMRT计划的靶区剂量均匀性和适形性略优于3D-CRT计划,sIMRT放疗计划中肺的平均剂量、V₅、V₁₀、V₂₀分别比3D-CRT降低14.81%、17.88%、19.15%、27.78%,而食管、心脏、脊髓等危及器官的受量基本相同。结论 对于NSCLC,sIMRT放疗技术在某些方面具有3D-CRT无法替代的优势,值得在临床推广应用。     

乳腺癌术后放疗3种治疗计划的剂量学研究

目的 评估螺旋断层调强放疗(helical tomotherapy,HT)、常规直线加速器逆向调强放疗(IMRT)和三维适形放疗(3D- CRT)3种治疗计划对乳腺癌术后胸壁照射的剂量影响和正常组织受照剂量体积对比。方法 选择10例早期乳腺癌改良根治术后患者CT定位图像,由同一医生勾画PTV,统一处方剂量50 Gy/ 25次。每例图像分别做HT、IMRT和3D- CRT 3种治疗计划,并对心脏、健侧肺和患侧肺受照射剂量体积、靶区适形度指数、剂量均匀指数和处方剂量所覆盖的靶体积等物理参数进行比较。结果 95%和100%的处方剂量覆盖的PTV体积在HT、IMRT和3D- CRT组分别为99.13%和95.87%、97.80%和94.05%、96.37%和87.29%。HT、IMRT 和3D-CRT组的适形指数和靶区均匀指数分别为0.80±0.10和1.09±0.03、0.65±0.07和1.14±0.02、0.40±0.08和1.17±0.04。心脏V₅~V₂₀以3D- CRT组最少,其次是HT组。患侧肺V₅接受的照射剂量体积以3D- CRT组最小,与HT和IMRT两组相比差异均有统计学意义。健侧肺V₅和V₁₀以3D- CRT组最少。结论 乳腺癌术后胸壁照射的靶区适形度和剂量均匀指数HT组最好;心脏、健侧肺和患侧肺低剂量区最小的依次是3D-CRT、HT和IMRT组。     

Dosimetric Comparison Between Intensity-Modulated with Coplanar Field and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy with Noncoplanar Field for Postocular Invasion Tumor

This study presents a dosimetric optimization effort aiming to compare noncoplanar field (NCF) on 3 dimensions conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and coplanar field (CF) on intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning for postocular invasion tumor. We performed a planning study on the computed tomography data of 8 consecutive patients with localized postocular invasion tumor. Four fields NCF 3D-CRT in the transverse plane with gantry angles of 0–10°, 30–45°, 240–270°, and 310–335° degrees were isocentered at the center of gravity of the target volume. The geometry of the beams was determined by beam's eye view. The same constraints were prepared with between CF IMRT optimization and NCF 3D-CRT treatment. The maximum point doses (D max) for the different optic pathway structures (OPS) with NCF 3D-CRT treatment should differ in no more than 3% from those with the NCF IMRT plan. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were obtained for all targets and organ at risk (OAR) with both treatment techniques. Plans with NCF 3D-CRT and CF IMRT constraints on target dose in homogeneity were computed, as well as the conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) in the target volume. The PTV coverage was optimal with both NCF 3D-CRT and CF IMRT plans in the 8 tumor sites. No difference was noted between the two techniques for the average D_max and D_min dose. NCF 3D-CRT and CF IMRT will yield similar results on CI. However, HI was a significant difference between NCF 3D-CRT and CF IMRT plan (p < 0.001). Physical endpoints for target showed the mean target dose to be low in the CF IMRT plan, caused by a large target dose in homogeneity (p < 0.001). The impact of NCF 3D-CRT versus CF IMRT set-up is very slight. NCF3D-CRT is one of the treatment options for postocular invasion tumor. However, constraints for OARs are needed.     

三维适形、逆向调强及旋转调强放疗技术对部分乳腺外照射的剂量学比较

目的 比较三维适形(3 D-CRT)、逆向调强(IMRT)及旋转调强(V-MAT)3种部分乳腺外照射(EB-PBI)治疗计划的剂量学差异.方法 选择定位影像资料完整的12例保乳术后行EB-PBI患者,每例患者分别设计3D-CRT、IMRT、V-MAT 3种治疗计划,比较3种计划的靶区剂量分布、危及器官受照剂量及所需机器跳数(MU)和治疗时间.结果 3D-CRT计划的靶区适形度最差,V-MAT计划的处方剂量靶区覆盖率及靶区剂量均匀性最差.3D-CRT计划中患侧肺V5、V10和平均剂量低,而患侧肺V30高;计划间患侧肺V20差异无统计学意义;V-MAT计划中15、20和25 Gy剂量包绕的同侧正常乳腺体积少;对于心脏V5、平均剂量及最大剂量、对侧肺平均剂量、甲状腺平均和最大剂量,IMRT＞ V-MAT＞ 3D-CRT,计划间两两比较差异均有统计学意义(z=-2.94 ～ -2.09,P＜0.05).3D-CRT、IMRT和V-MAT计划所需MU值分别为417.6 ±34.4、772.8±54.4和631.0±109.0,计划间两两比较差异均有统计学意义(z=-2.93、-2.76、-2.93,P＜0.05);V-MAT计划施照时间短.结论 对于部分乳腺癌的放射治疗,旋转调强计划在降低患侧靶区外正常乳腺组织受照射剂量和减少治疗时间方面优势比较明显.     

Dosimetric research on intensity-modulated arc radiotherapy planning for left breast cancer after breast-preservation surgery

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has played an important role in breast cancer radiotherapy after breast-preservation surgery. Our aim was to study the dosimetric and implementation features/feasibility between IMRT and intensity-modulated arc radiotherapy (Varian RapidArc, Varian, Palo Alto, CA). The forward IMRT plan (f-IMRT), the inverse IMRT, and the RapidArc plan (RA) were generated for 10 patients. Afterward, we compared the target dose distribution of the 3 plans, radiation dose on organs at risk, monitor units, and treatment time. All 3 plans met clinical requirements, with RA performing best in target conformity. In target homogeneity, there was no statistical significance between RA and IMRT, but both of homogeneity were less than f-IMRT's. With regard to the V₅ and V₁₀ of the left lung, those in RA were higher than in f-IMRT but were lower than in IMRT; for V₂₀ and V₃₀, the lowest was observed in RA; and in the V₅ and V₁₀ of the right lung, as well as the mean dose in normal-side breast and right lung, there was no statistically significance difference between RA and IMRT, and the lowest value was observed in f-IMRT. As for the maximum dose in the normal-side breast, the lowest value was observed in RA. Regarding monitor units (MUs), those in RA were higher than in f-IMRT but were lower than in IMRT. Treatment time of RA was 84.6% and 88.23% shorter than f-IMRT and IMRT, respectively, on average. Compared with f-IMRT and IMRT, RA performed better in target conformity and can reduce high-dose volume in the heart and left lung—which are related to complications—significantly shortening treatment time as well. Compared with IMRT, RA can also significantly reduce low-dose volume and MUs of the afflicted lung.     

Dosimetric comparison of free-breathing and deep inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy for lung cancer

Purpose

The goal of this work was to evaluate the potential benefit of deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) compared to free breathing (FB) radiotherapy in a homogeneous population of patients with lung cancer.

Methods and materials

A total of 25?patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated by DIBH underwent an additional FB CT scan. The DIBH and FB treatment plans were compared. Target volume was compared using coverage, homogeneity, and conformal indices. Organs at risk were compared using V₅, V₁₃, V₂₀, V₂₅, V₃₇, mean dose (D_mean) for lungs, V₄₀ and D_mean for the heart, V₅₀, D_mean and maximum dose (D_max) for the esophagus, and using biological indices, i.e., the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

Results

Median age was 62?years. Prescribed total dose was 66?Gy. Conformity index was improved with DIBH (0.67 vs. 0.58, p?=?0.046) but coverage and homogeneity indices were not significantly different. Lung dosimetric parameters were improved using DIBH: D_mean (13 vs. 15?Gy, p?=?10^-4), V₅ (43 vs. 51%, p?=?6.10^-5), V₁₃ (31 vs. 38%, p?=?2.10^-3), V₂₀ (25 vs. 31%, p?=?0.01), V₂₅ (22% vs. 27%, p?=?0.01) and V₃₇ (12 vs. 16%, p?=?0.03), EUD (8.2 vs. 9.9?Gy, p?=?3.10^-4), and NTCP (1.9 vs. 4.8%, p?=?10^-3). For the heart, D_mean (14 vs. 17?Gy, p?=?0.003), V₄₀ (12 vs. 17%, p?=?0.004), and EUD (19 vs. 22?Gy, p?=?6.10^-4) were reduced with DIBH, whereas V₃₀ and NTCP were similar. DIBH improved the D_mean (28 vs. 30?Gy, p?=?0.007) and V₅₀ (25 vs. 30%, p?=?0.003) for the esophagus, while EUD, NTCP, and D_max were not altered.

Conclusion

DIBH improves the target conformity index and heart and lung dosimetry in lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The clinical implications of these findings should be confirmed.     

Chest wall radiotherapy with volumetric modulated arcs and the potential role of flattening filter free photon beams

Purpose

The goal of the work was to assess the role of RapidArc treatments in chest wall irradiation after mastectomy and determine the potential benefit of flattening filter free beams.

Methods and material

Planning CT scans of 10?women requiring post-mastectomy chest wall radiotherapy were included in the study. A dose of 50?Gy in 2?Gy fractions was prescribed. Organs at risk (OARs) delineated were heart, lungs, contralateral breast, and spinal cord. Dose–volume metrics were defined to quantify the quality of concurrent treatment plans assessing target coverage and sparing of OARs. Plans were designed for conformal 3D therapy (3DCRT) or for RapidArc with double partial arcs (RA). RapidArc plans were optimized for both conventional beams as well as for unflattened beams (RAF). The goal for this planning effort was to cover 100% of the planning target volume (PTV) with ≥?90% of the prescribed dose and to minimize the volume inside the PTV receiving >?105% of the dose. The mean ipsilateral lung dose was required to be lower than 15?Gy and V_20?Gy?Results All techniques met planning objectives for PTV and for lung (3DCRT marginally failed for V_20?Gy). RA plans showed superiority compared to 3DCRT in the medium to high dose region for the ipsilateral lung. Heart irradiation was minimized by RAF plans with ~4.5?Gy and ~15?Gy reduction in maximum dose compared to RA and 3DCRT, respectively. RAF resulted in superior plans compared to RA with respect to contralateral breast and lung with a reduction of ~1.7?Gy and 1.0?Gy in the respective mean doses.

Conclusion

RapidArc treatment resulted in acceptable plan quality with superior ipsilateral tissue sparing compared to traditional techniques. Flattening filter free beams, recently made available for clinical use, might provide further healthy tissue sparing, particularly in contralateral organs, suggesting their applicability for large and complex targets.     

Adjuvant IMRT/XELOX radiochemotherapy improves long-term overall- and disease-free survival in advanced gastric cancer

Purpose

In a retrospective analysis, adjuvant intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with modern chemotherapy improved advanced gastric cancer survival rates compared to a combination of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and conventional chemotherapy. We report on the long-term outcomes of two consecutive patient cohorts that were treated with either IMRT and intensive chemotherapy, or 3D-CRT and conventional chemotherapy.

Patients and methods

Between 2001 and 2008, 65 consecutive gastric cancer patients received either 3D-CRT (n?=?27) or IMRT (n?=?38) following tumor resection. Chemotherapy comprised predominantly 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (5-FU/FA) in the earlier cohort and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) in the latter. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Results

Median OS times were 18 and 43 months in the 3D-CRT and IMRT groups, respectively (p?=?0.0602). Actuarial 5-year OS rates were 26 and 47??%, respectively. Within the IMRT group, XELOX gave better results than 5-FU/FA in terms of OS, but this difference was not statistically significant. The primary cause of death in both groups was distant metastasis. Median DFS times were 14 and 35 months in the 3D-CRT and IMRT groups, respectively (p?=?0.0693). Actuarial 5-year DFS rates were 22 and 44??%, respectively. Among patients receiving 5-FU/FA, DFS tended to be better in the IMRT group, but this was not statistically significant. A similar analysis for the XELOX group was not possible as 3D-CRT was almost never used to treat these patients. No late toxicity exceeding grade 3 or secondary tumors were observed.

Conclusion

After a median follow-up period of over 5 years, OS and DFS were improved in the IMRT/XELOX treated patients compared to the 3D-CRT/5-FU/FA group. Long-term observation revealed no clinical indications of therapy-induced secondary tumors or renal toxicity.     

Treatment planning after hydrogel injection during radiotherapy of prostate cancer

Purpose

Imaging for treatment planning shortly after hydrogel injection is optimal for practical purposes, reducing the number of appointments. The aim was to evaluate the actual difference between early and late imaging.

Patients and methods

Treatment planning computed tomography (CT) was performed shortly after injection of 10 ml hydrogel (CT1) and 1–2 weeks later (CT2) for 3 patients. The hydrogel was injected via the transperineal approach after dissecting the space between the prostate and rectum with a saline/lidocaine solution of at least 20-ml. Hydrogel volume and distances between the prostate and rectal wall were compared. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans up to a dose of 78 Gy were generated (rectum V₇₀?<?20?%, rectum V₅₀?<?50?%; with the rectum including hydrogel volume for planning).

Results

A mean planning treatment volume of 104 cm³ resulted for a prostate volume of 37 cm³. Hydrogel volumes of 30 and 10 cm³ were determined in CT1 and CT2, respectively. Distances between the prostate and rectal wall at the levels of the base, middle, and apex were 1.7 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.5 cm in CT1 and 1.3 cm, 1.2 cm, 0.8 cm in CT2, respectively, corresponding to a mean decrease of 24, 25, and 47?%. A small overlap between the PTV and the rectum was found only in 1 patient in CT2 (0.2 cm³). The resulting mean rectum (without hydrogel) V₇₅, V₇₀, V₆₀, V₅₀ increased from 0?%, 0?%, 0.6?%, 10?% in CT1 to 0.1?%, 1.2?%, 6?%, 20?% in CT2, respectively.

Conclusion

Treatment planning based on imaging shortly after hydrogel injection overestimates the actual hydrogel volume during the treatment as a result of not-yet-absorbed saline solution and air bubbles.