Jaws-only IMRT using direct aperture optimization

Using direct aperture optimization, we have developed an inverse planning approach that is capable of producing efficient intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans that can be delivered without a multileaf collimator. This "jaws-only" approach to IMRT uses a series of rectangular field shapes to achieve a high degree of intensity modulation from each beam direction. Direct aperture optimization is used to directly optimize the jaw positions and the relative weights assigned to each aperture. Because the constraints imposed by the jaws are incorporated into the optimization, the need for leaf sequencing is eliminated. Results are shown for five patient cases covering three treatment sites: pancreas, breast, and prostate. For these cases, between 15 and 20 jaws-only apertures were required per beam direction in order to obtain conformal IMRT treatment plans. Each plan was delivered to a phantom, and absolute and relative dose measurements were recorded. The typical treatment time to deliver these plans was 18 min. The jaws-only approach provides an additional IMRT delivery option for clinics without a multileaf collimator.