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.