利用兆伏级CT分析头颈部肿瘤在螺旋断层放疗中的摆位误差

目的：应用螺旋断层放疗机（Tomo therapy）自带的兆伏级CT（MVCT）影像引导,测定并分析采取面网固定方式的头颈部肿瘤患者的摆位误差,并依此计算CTV-PTV外扩Margin值的大小。方法对34例采取面网固定装置的头颈部肿瘤患者,每次治疗前均行MVCT扫描,将扫描所得MVCT图像与定位图像（kVCT）行靶区位置配准,分析患者左右（x）、头脚（y）、腹背（z）和横断面旋转（Roll）方向的误差值,根据公式M＝2．5∑＋0．7σ计算出合理的CTV-PTV外扩Margin值。结果34例患者共行640次MVCT扫描,线性误差在x、y、z方向的系统误差＆#177;随机误差分别为：（-0．15＆#177;0．55） mm、（0．30＆#177;0．56） mm、（0．35＆#177;0．71）mm;在Roll方向的旋转误差为（-0．07＆#177;0．52）＆#176;。 CTV-PTV外放边界在x、y、z三个方向Margin值分别为3．31 mm、5．32 mm和3．35 mm。结论通过对摆位误差的分析为CTV-PTV外扩边界提供了理论依据,为精确放疗提供必要的质量保证。     

CBCT在放射治疗摆位中的临床应用

目的探讨锥形束CT(CBCT)对不同部位肿瘤分次治疗间的摆位误差,为CTV外放PTV提供依据。方法分别对头颈部肿瘤患者(头颈肩型热塑模固定)和胸部肿瘤患者(体部热塑模固定)的135次、211次CBCT结果进行分析,根据Stroom公式:PTV外放=2∑+0.7σ,计算Margin的前后、头脚、左右方向的范围。结果头颈部肿瘤患者前后方向的最大偏差值高达7 mm,且向源皮距偏大方向移动占97.15%。3个方向大于3 mm偏差的均在10%以下。胸部肿瘤患者的头脚方向摆位误差最大,大于5 mm的达21.74%。头颈部肿瘤CTV～PTV即Margin的前后、头脚、左右方向分别为4.94 mm、4.19 mm、4.43 mm,胸部肿瘤Margin的前后、头脚、左右方向分别为4.28 mm、8.81 mm、5.15 mm。结论 CBCT可以提高摆位的精度,减少摆位的不确定性,为正确设定计划靶体积(PTV)提供了依据。     

Comparison of setup accuracy of three different thermoplastic masks for the treatment of brain and head and neck tumors.

PURPOSE: Setup accuracy is an important factor influencing the definition of the planning target volume (PTV). The purpose of this study was to compare the setup accuracy of three different thermoplastic masks used for immobilization of patients with brain or head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with brain or head and neck tumors were consecutively assigned to one of three different thermoplastic masks (Posifix): head mask with three fixation points (3 FP, ten patients), head and shoulder mask with four fixation points (4 FP, ten patients), head and shoulder mask with five fixation points (5 FP, four fixations plus an additional one on the top of head, ten patients). Once a week, during the session with a 6 MV linac (Elekta), orthogonal (antero-posterior and lateral) portal images were acquired for three fictitious isocenters placed during the simulation at the level of the head, the neck and the shoulders. Portal images and digitized simulator films were compared using the PIPS pro software, and displacements in antero-posterior (A-P), cranio-caudal (C-C) and medio-lateral (M-L) directions were calculated. From these displacements, 2D or 3D errors were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 915 portal images were obtained, of which 98% could be analyzed. For the whole population, total displacements reached a standard deviation (SD) of 2.2 mm at the level of the head and the neck. Systematic and random displacements were in the same order of magnitude and reached a SD of 1.8 mm. Patient setup was slightly worse at the shoulder level with a total displacement of 2.8 mm (1 SD) for both the C-C and the M-L directions. There again, the systematic and the random components were in the same order of magnitude below 2.4 mm (+/-SD). For isocenters in the head and in the neck, there was no substantial difference in the setup deviation between the three masks. The setup reproducibility was found to be significantly worse (P=0.01) at the level of the shoulders with the 3 FP mask. For the 2D random error, 1 SD of 2.3 mm was observed compared to 0.8 and 1.2 mm for the 4 and 5 FP masks, respectively. Lastly, 90% of the 3D total deviations were below 4.5 mm for the head and the neck. In the shoulder region, 90% of the 2D total deviations were below 5.5 mm. CONCLUSION: Thermoplastic masks provide an accurate patient immobilization. At the shoulder level, setup variations are reduced when 4 or 5 FP masks are used. These data could be used for the assessment of margins for the PTV.     

Geometric and dosimetric evaluations of an online image-guidance strategy for 3D-CRT of prostate cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate an online image-guidance strategy for conformal treatment of prostate cancer and to estimate margin-reduction benefits. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-eight patients with at least 16 helical computed tomography scans were each used in this study. Two prostate soft-tissue registration methods, including sagittal rotation, were evaluated. Setup errors and rigid organ motion were corrected online; non-rigid and intrafraction motion were included in offline analysis. Various clinical target volume-planning target volume (CTV-PTV) margins were applied. Geometrical evaluations included analyses of isocenter shifts and rotations and overlap index. Dosimetric evaluations included minimum dose and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for prostate and gEUD for rectum. RESULTS: Average isocenter shift and rotation were (dX,dY,dZ,theta) = (0.0 +/- 0.7,-1.1 +/- 4.0,-0.1 +/- 2.5,0.7 degrees +/- 2.0 degrees ) mm. Prostate motion in anterior-posterior (AP) direction was significantly higher than superior-inferior and left-right (LR) directions. This observation was confirmed by isocenter shift in perspectives AP (1.8 +/- 1.8 mm) and RL (3.7 +/- 3.0 mm). Organ motion degrades target coverage and reduces doses to rectum. If 2% dose reduction on prostate D(99) is allowed for 90% patients, then minimum 3 mm margins are necessary with ideal image registration. CONCLUSIONS: Significant margin reduction can be achieved through online image guidance. Certain margins are still required for nonrigid and intrafraction motion. To further reduce margin, a strategy that combines online geometric intervention and offline dose replanning is necessary.     

骨转移螺旋断层调强放疗摆位误差分析

目的 分析骨转移患者在自带兆伏级CT（MVCT）影像引导的螺旋断层放疗中的摆位误差,为骨转移患者从临床靶体积（CTV）外放到计划靶体积（PTV）的距离提供临床依据.方法 对30例骨转移患者采用螺旋断层放疗,体网固定装置,每次治疗前均行MVCT扫描,将扫描所得MVCT图像与定位图像（KVCT）行靶区位置配准,分析患者左右（X）、头脚（Y）、腹背（Z）和横断面旋转（Roll）方向的误差值,根据公式Margin=2.5∑＋0.7σ计算出CTV-PTV外扩Margin值.结果 30例患者共行494次MVCT扫描,线性误差在X、Y、Z方向的误差（系统误差±随机误差）分别为（2.85±0.77）、（3.11±0.95）、（2.21±0.55）mm;在Roll方向的旋转误差为（0.55±0.24）..CTV-PTV外放边界在X、Y、Z三个方向Margin值分别为3.64、4.17、2.86 mm.结论 应用图像引导技术对骨转移的调强放疗可实时摆位纠正,减小了分次治疗的摆位误差,提高了治疗精度,对临床放疗具有指导价值.     

膀胱容积测量仪干预下CBCT观察不同BMI宫颈癌患者CTV至PTV外扩边界差异

目的 探讨不同BMI的宫颈癌患者放疗时CTV至PTV外扩边界,为实现精准的个体化分组治疗提供参考依据。方法 选取2017年3—9月复旦大学附属肿瘤医院接受IMRT宫颈癌患者40例,参考国家卫生和计划生育委员会提出的标准进行分组,BMI≤18.4 kg/m²为过轻组,18.5~23.9 kg/m²为正常组,24.0~27.9 kg/m²为过重组,≥28.0 kg/m²为肥胖组。在膀胱容积测量仪干预下分别采集9次治疗前的千伏级CBCT图像进行在线配准,并对配准结果进行分析。通过MPTV=2.5Σ+0.7σ分析4组患者CTV至PTV外扩边界的差异。行单因素方差分析,两两比较行LSD检验。结果 过轻组,正常组,过重组及肥胖组患者CTV至PTV的外扩边界在左右、头脚、腹背方向上分别为6.87、6.06、8.49 mm,3.13、3.02、3.14 mm,4.70、4.86、5.31 mm及7.63、8.28、8.54 mm (P=0.038、0.048、0.004)。结论 过轻患者和肥胖患者的摆位误差高于正常者和过重患者,故对于过轻患者和肥胖患者应适当增加CTV至PTV的外扩边界。     

应用锥形束CT分析肿瘤放疗中分次间及分次内摆位误差

背景与目的:放射治疗中肿瘤患者每次的治疗摆位受很多因素影响,存在分次问及分次内摆位误差.本研究目的是采用锥形束CT(cone-beamcomputed tomography,CBCT)影像技术研究肿瘤患者放射治疗中摆位误差及纠正方法.方法:对51例放疗肿瘤患者.其中头颈部肿瘤19例,胸部肿瘤25例,腹、盆部肿瘤7例,在每次照射前首次摆位后、摆位误差调整后及治疗结束时获取CBCT,通过系统的匹配功能,将获取的CBCT图像和计划CT图像匹配,获得左右(X)、头脚(Y)、前后(Z)3个方向的摆位误差.分析摆位误差及纠正方法.结果:51例患者共进行CBCT扫描1934次.每次治疗开始前首次摆位CBCT 955次,调整治疗床后再次CBCT扫描525次,治疗后CBCT扫描454次.X、Y、Z三维方向分次间摆位误差在头颈部分别为(1.2± 0.9)mm、(1.2±1.1)mm和(1.0±0.8)mm;在胸部分别为(2.3±1.9)mm、(4.2±3.7)mm和(2.4±2.1)mm;在腹、盆部分别为(1.7±1.5)mm、(4.7±3.6)mm和(2.1±1.6)mm.调整后比较,头颈部肿瘤治疗后摆位误差在三维方向均有增加,并且差异均有显著性(P＜0.05);而体部肿瘤这种差异在Z、Y、Z 3个方向均无显著性(P＞0.05).结论:每次治疗前通过CBCT获得分次间摆位误差并对其进行纠正对提高放射治疗精度有积极意义.分次内误差在头颈部肿瘤治疗过程中变化明显.这在设计治疗计划时应予以考虑.胸部及腹、盆部分次内误差还有待于进一步研究.     

Daily variations in the position of the prostate bed in patients with prostate cancer receiving postoperative external beam radiation therapy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of the variation in the position of the prostate bed with respect to the bony anatomy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four patients were treated to 70 Gy in 35 fractions. Before each fraction, a megavoltage computed tomography (CT) of the prostate bed was obtained, resulting in a total of 140 CT studies. Retrospectively, each CT scan was aligned to the simulation kilovoltage scan based on bony anatomy and the prostate bed. The difference between the 2 alignments was calculated for each scan. RESULTS: The average differences (+/-1 SD) between the two alignments were 0.06+/-0.37, 0.10+/-0.86, and 0.39+/-1.27 mm in the lateral, longitudinal (SI), and vertical (AP) directions, respectively. Laterally, there was no difference>or=3 mm. The cumulative frequency of SI differences were as follows; >or=3 mm: 3%, >or=4 mm: 1%, and >or=5 mm: 1% (maximum: 5 mm). The cumulative frequency of AP differences were as follows; >or=3 mm: 7%, and >or=4 mm: 3% (maximum: 4 mm). CONCLUSION: In patients with prostate cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy, the prostate bed motion relative to the pelvic bony anatomy is of a relatively small magnitude. Significant motion (>or=3 mm) is infrequent. However, small differences between the prostate bed and the bony anatomy still exist. This might have implications on treatment margins when daily alignment on bony anatomy is performed.     

Interfractional variations in patient setup and anatomic change assessed by daily computed tomography

PURPOSE: To analyze the interfractional variations in patient setup and anatomic changes at seven anatomic sites observed in image-guided radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 152 patients treated at seven anatomic sites using a Hi-Art helical tomotherapy system were analyzed. Daily tomotherapy megavoltage computed tomography images acquired before each treatment were fused to the planning kilovoltage computed tomography images to determine the daily setup errors and organ motions and deformations. The setup errors were corrected before treatment and were used, along with the organ motions, to determine the clinical target volume/planning target volume margins. The organ motions and deformations for 3 representative patient cases (pancreas, uterus, and soft-tissue sarcoma) and for 14 kidneys of 7 patients are presented. RESULTS: Interfractional setup errors in the skull, brain, and head and neck are significantly smaller than those in the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. These site-specific relationships are statistically significant. The margins required to account for these setup errors range from 3 to 8 mm for the seven sites. The margin to account for both setup errors and organ motions for kidney is 16 mm. Substantial interfractional anatomic changes were observed. For example, the pancreas moved up to +/-20 mm and volumes of the uterus and sarcoma varied 相似文献   

图像引导调强放疗头颈部肿瘤摆位误差对靶区外扩边界大小的影响

目的 利用锥形束CT (CBCT)图像分析跟踪头颈部恶性肿瘤调强放疗分次治疗间和分次治疗内肿瘤中心误差情况,并以此误差探讨临床靶体积(CTV)外放边界大小.方法 51例头颈部肿瘤经图像引导调强放疗,其中治疗前CBCT引导464次,治疗后CBCT 126次.根据CBCT图像与计划CT图像匹配实现在线和离线分析得到位移偏差.按不同在线校正次数(15次、11～15次、5～10次)和3个方向偏差依照双模型参数计算CTV外扩边界大小.结果 464次摆位未校正的左右、前后、上下方向偏差分别为0.37、-0.43、0.47 mm,CTV外扩边界分别为6.41、6.15、7.10 mm;校正后偏差分别为0.08、-0.03、0.03 mm,CTV外扩边界分别为1.78、1.80、1.97 mm.在线校正次数>15次,11～15次,5～10次者左右、前后、上下方向外扩分别为3.8、3.8、4.0 mm,4.0、4.0、5.0 mm,5.4、5.2、6.1 mm.结论 利用CBCT引导头颈部恶性肿瘤的调强放疗可确定确切的CTV外扩边界大小,保证肿瘤区域得到准确剂量和减小正常组织受量.

Abstract：

Objective To determine the planning target volume margins of head and neck cancers treated by image guided radiotherapy (IGRT).Methods 464 sets cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images before setup correction and 126 sets CBCT images after correction were obtained from 51 head and neck cancer patients treated by IGRT in our department.The systematic and random errors were evaluated by either online or offline correction through registering the CBCT images to the planning CT.The data was divided into 3 groups according to the online correction times.Results The isocenter shift were 0.37 mm±2.37 mm, -0.43 mm±2.30 mm and 0.47 mm±2.65 mm in right-left (RL), anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior (SI) directions respectively before correction, and it reduced to 0.08 mm±0.68 mm, -0.03 mm±0.74 mm and 0.03 mm±0.80 mm when evaluated by 126 sets corrected CBCT images.The planning target volume (PTV) margin from clinical target volume (CTV) before correction were:6.41 mm,6.15 mm and 7.10 mm based on two parameter model, and it reduced to 1.78 mm,1.80 mm and 1.97 mm after correction.The PTV margins were 3.8 mm,3.8 mm,4.0 mm;4.0 mm,4.0 mm,5.0 mm and 5.4 mm,5.2 mm,6.1 mm in RL, AP and SI respectively when online-correction times were more than 15 times, 11-15 times,5-10 times.Conclusions CBCT-based on online correction reduce the PTV margin for head and neck cancers treated by IGRT and ensure more precise dose delivery and less normal tissue complications.     

Evolution of the use of the portal imaging device: prospective study over three years]

PURPOSE: To describe the evolution of the use of the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) over three periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1990, as part of the quality assurance research programs, the radiotherapy department of the G.-F. Leclerc Centre of Dijon used EPID systems in a prospective fashion. During the first of the three periods (PER 1:1990-1993), the study consisted of analysis criteria determination, software efficiency improvement and a selection of patients who could benefit from the method. Eight hundred and forty-five images of 40 patients were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Two verifications per week were planned, and the action level for correction was 10 mm. Head and neck images were also displayed in 'cinema' presentation for internal movements analysis. From 1994 to 1995 (PER 2), off-line procedure (OLP) based upon early correction of the systematic error and the rules calculated from our previous experience were tested for checking the brain, head and neck (LOC 1: 396 images) and many of the pelvic irradiations (LOC 2: 260 images). A double-exposure procedure and/or movie loop presentation was reserved for other patients. During the last period (PER 3: 1996-1997), the OLP procedure was routinely performed in 54 patients (images: 321 LOC 1, 680 LOC 2). RESULTS: LOC 1: deviations of < 3 mm increased from 75.5% during PER 1 to 81% during PER 2 to 83% during PER3. Conversely, deviations of 3-5 mm dropped from 19.5 to 13%, while deviations of more than 5 mm remained stable, around 5%. The actual standard error of the mean deviation observed was 2 mm. LOC 2: deviations of < 5 mm were observed in 81% of the cases during PER 1 and in 91% during PER 3 (89.5% in PER 2). These good results led to a decrease in deviation of 5 to 7 mm (11 to 6%) and also to a significant drop in deviations of more than 7 mm, 8 to 3% respectively. The actual precision obtained was 2.5 mm +/- 3 mm SD. CONCLUSIONS: The OLP based upon the early correction of the systematic error led to a significant increase of setup accuracy of patients irradiated for the brain, head and neck, and especially for pelvic lesions.     

An assessment of interfractional uterine and cervical motion: Implications for radiotherapy target volume definition in gynaecological cancer

PURPOSE: To assess interfractional movement of the uterus and cervix in patients with gynaecological cancer to aid selection of the internal margin for radiotherapy target volumes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-three patients with gynaecological cancer had an MRI scan performed on two consecutive days. The two sets of T2-weighted axial images were co-registered, and the uterus and cervix outlined on each scan. Points were identified on the anterior uterine body (Point U), posterior cervix (Point C) and upper vagina (Point V). The displacement of each point in the antero-posterior (AP), supero-inferior (SI) and lateral directions between the two scans was measured. The changes in point position and uterine body angle were correlated with bladder volume and rectal diameter. RESULTS: The mean difference (+/-1SD) in Point U position was 7mm (+/-9.0) in the AP direction, 7.1mm (+/-6.8) SI and 0.8mm (+/-1.3) laterally. Mean Point C displacement was 4.1mm (+/-4.4) SI, 2.7mm (+/-2.8) AP, 0.3 (+/-0.8) laterally, and Point V was 2.6mm (+/-3.0) AP and 0.3mm (+/-1.0) laterally. There was correlation for uterine SI movement in relation to bladder filling, and for cervical and vaginal AP movement in relation to rectal filling. CONCLUSION: Large movements of the uterus can occur, particularly in the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions, but cervical displacement is less marked. Rectal filling may affect cervical position, while bladder filling has more impact on uterine body position, highlighting the need for specific instructions on bladder and rectal filling for treatment. We propose an asymmetrical margin with CTV-PTV expansion of the uterus, cervix and upper vagina of 15mm AP, 15mm SI and 7mm laterally and expansion of the nodal regions and parametria by 7mm in all directions.     

Detection of organ movement in cervix cancer patients using a fluoroscopic electronic portal imaging device and radiopaque markers

PURPOSE: To investigate the use of a fluoroscopic electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and radiopaque markers to detect internal cervix movement. METHODS AND MATERIALS: For 10 patients with radiopaque markers clamped to the cervix, electronic portal images were made during external beam irradiation. Bony structures and markers in the portal images were registered with the same structures in the corresponding digitally reconstructed radiographs of the planning computed tomogram. RESULTS: The visibility of the markers in the portal images was good, but their fixation should be improved. Generally, the correlation between bony structure displacements and marker movement was poor, the latter being substantially larger. The standard deviations describing the systematic and random bony anatomy displacements were 1.2 and 2.6 mm, 1.7 and 2.9 mm, and 1.6 and 2.7 mm in the lateral, cranial-caudal, and dorsal-ventral directions, respectively. For the marker movement those values were 3.4 and 3.4 mm, 4.3 and 5.2 mm, 3.2 and 5.2 mm, respectively. Estimated clinical target volume to planning target volume (CTV-PTV) planning margins (approximately 11 mm) based on the observed overall marker displacements (bony anatomy + internal cervix movement) are only marginally larger than the margins required to account for internal marker movement alone. CONCLUSIONS: With our current patient setup techniques and methods of setup verification and correction, the required CTV-PTV margins are almost fully determined by internal organ motion. Setup verification and correction using radiopaque markers might allow decreasing those margins, but technical improvements are needed.     

HT治疗多发转移瘤的MVCT引导方案探讨

目的 探讨应用HT治疗多发转移瘤时合适的MVCT引导方案。方法 将48例采用HT的多发转移瘤患者按靶区分布情况分为头胸组(15例)、头盆组(15例)和胸盆组(18例)。于治疗分次内对各靶区分别行MVCT扫描,将所得图像与定位CT图像进行配准并记录摆位误差值。计算各CTV到PTV的外扩边界。配对t检验差异。结果 头胸组、头盆组、胸盆组患者摆位误差的两两比较显示,x轴分别为-0.15±1.25∶-0.21±2.34(P=0.71)、-0.16±1.31∶-1.29±3.72(P=0.00)、0.25±2.90∶-0.22±3.65(P=0.06),y轴分别为0.73±1.22∶1.56±2.54(P=0.00)、0.81±1.34∶3.20±3.90(P=0.00)、0.35±3.60∶0.38±3.78(P=0.87),z轴分别为0.93±1.44∶2.65±1.88(P=0.00)、1.24±1.75∶5.49±2.80(P=0.00)、1.95±2.81∶3.35±3.05(P=0.00)。3个组经过各自上段靶区修正后,各自下段靶区的外扩边界在三维方向上均有所减小,但均以y轴缩小最显著,分别为5.13∶4.01、9.17∶8.30、8.52∶7.13。结论 对于分离靶区的多发转移瘤的HT,不应单独使用任一部位的摆位误差值修正整体摆位误差,建议采用分次内不同部位进行引导的图像引导方案。     

Randomized blinded clinical trial of intracoronary brachytherapy with 90Sr/Y beta-radiation for the prevention of restenosis after stent implantation in native coronary arteries in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: We report a double-blind, randomized clinical trial of intracoronary beta-radiation for prevention of restenosis after stent implantation in native coronary de novo lesions in diabetic patients. METHODS: After successful stent implantation in native coronary de novo lesions, 106 lesions in 89 diabetic patients were randomly allocated to treatment with beta-radiation with 18 Gy at 1 mm vessel depth (n = 53) or placebo treatment (n = 53). RESULTS: Angiographic analysis at 9 month follow-up revealed a late lumen loss of 0.7+/-0.9 mm in the radiotherapy group versus 1.2+/-0.8 mm in the control group at the injured segment (P = 0.006), 0.9+/-1.0 versus 1.3+/-0.7 mm at the radiated segment (P = 0.02), and 0.9+/-1.0 versus 1.3+/-0.7 mm at the target segment (P = 0.04) (defined as active source length plus 5mm on proximal and distal sites). Binary restenosis rates were significantly lower in the radiation group in all subsegments (injured segment: 10.9 versus 37.3%, P = 0.003; radiated segment: 21.7 versus 49.0%, P = 0.005; target segment: 23.9 versus 49.0%, P = 0.01). Target lesion revascularization for restenosis was required in nine lesions (17.6%) in the radiotherapy group versus 18 (34.0%) in the placebo group (P = 0.05). Late thrombosis occurred in four radiated patients (after premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy in all), resulting in a major adverse clinical event rate of 37.2% in the brachytherapy group versus 38.6% in the placebo group (P = ns). CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic patients with de novo coronary lesions, intracoronary radiation after stent implantation significantly reduced restenosis. However, this clinical benefit was reduced by the frequent occurrence of late thrombosis.     

Frameless image guidance improves accuracy in three-dimensional interstitial brachytherapy needle placement

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to adapt a computer-assisted real-time three-dimensional (3D) navigation system for interstitial brachytherapy procedures. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The 3-D navigation system Surgical Planning and Orientation Computer System (SPOCS; Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) was adapted for use in interstitial brachytherapy. A special needle holder with mounted infrared-emitting diodes (IRED) for 3D navigation-based needle implantation was developed. Measurements were made on a series of different phantoms to study the feasibility and the overall accuracy and precision of the navigation system with regard to single-needle application and volume implants (multiple-needle implantations). In all, 250 single implants and 20 volume implants were performed. Accuracy was measured as the target registration error (TRE) between the preoperatively defined and the achieved target position. RESULTS: Analyses of the 250 different targets showed a mean TRE for single-needle applications of 1.1 mm (SD +/- 0.4 mm), 0.9 mm (SD +/- 0.3 mm), and 0.7 mm (SD +/- 0.3 mm) in the x, y, and z direction, respectively. The maximal deviation was 2.3 mm. The corresponding TRE in the x, y, and z direction for volume implants was 1.6 mm (SD +/- 0.4 mm), 1.9 mm (SD +/- 0.6 mm), and 1.0 mm (SD +/- 0.4 mm), respectively. The maximum deviation was 2.9 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The adaptation of a commercially available surgical planning and navigation system to interstitial brachytherapy is feasible. It enables virtual planning and improved accuracy in 3D interstitial needle implantation.     

Analysis of interfractional set-up errors and intrafractional organ motions during IMRT for head and neck tumors to define an appropriate planning target volume (PTV)- and planning organs at risk volume (PRV)-margins.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To analyze the interfractional set-up errors and intrafractional organ motions and to define appropriate planning target volume (PTV)- and planning organs at risk volume (PRV)-margins in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for head and neck tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with head and neck or brain tumors who were treated with IMRT were enrolled. The set-up errors were defined as the displacements of the coordinates of bony landmarks on the beam films from those on the simulation films. The organ motions were determined as the displacements of the coordinates of the landmarks on the images recorded every 3 min for 15 min on the X-ray simulator from those on the initial image. RESULTS: The standard deviations (SDs) of the systematic set-up errors (Sigma-INTER) and organ motions (Sigma-intra) distributed with a range of 0.7-1.3 and 0.2-0.8 mm, respectively. The average of the SDs of the random set-up errors (sigma-INTER) and organ motions (sigma-intra) ranged from 0.7 to 1.6 mm and from 0.3 to 0.6 mm, respectively. Appropriate PTV-margins and PRV-margins for all the landmarks ranged from 2.0 to 3.6 mm and from 1.8 to 2.4 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We have adopted a PTV-margin of 5mm and a PRV-margin of 3mm for head and neck IMRT at our department.     

Nonrigid image registration for head and neck cancer radiotherapy treatment planning with PET/CT

PURPOSE: Head and neck radiotherapy planning with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) requires the images to be reliably registered with treatment planning CT. Acquiring PET/CT in treatment position is problematic, and in practice for some patients it may be beneficial to use diagnostic PET/CT for radiotherapy planning. Therefore, the aim of this study was first to quantify the image registration accuracy of PET/CT to radiotherapy CT and, second, to assess whether PET/CT acquired in diagnostic position can be registered to planning CT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Positron emission tomography/CT acquired in diagnostic and treatment position for five patients with head and neck cancer was registered to radiotherapy planning CT using both rigid and nonrigid image registration. The root mean squared error for each method was calculated from a set of anatomic landmarks marked by four independent observers. RESULTS: Nonrigid and rigid registration errors for treatment position PET/CT to planning CT were 2.77 +/- 0.80 mm and 4.96 +/- 2.38 mm, respectively, p = 0.001. Applying the nonrigid registration to diagnostic position PET/CT produced a more accurate match to the planning CT than rigid registration of treatment position PET/CT (3.20 +/- 1.22 mm and 4.96 +/- 2.38 mm, respectively, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Nonrigid registration provides a more accurate registration of head and neck PET/CT to treatment planning CT than rigid registration. In addition, nonrigid registration of PET/CT acquired with patients in a standardized, diagnostic position can provide images registered to planning CT with greater accuracy than a rigid registration of PET/CT images acquired in treatment position. This may allow greater flexibility in the timing of PET/CT for head and neck cancer patients due to undergo radiotherapy.