Helical tomotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy:New therapeutic arms in the breast cancer radiotherapy

AIM To analyse clinical and dosimetric results of helical tomotherapy(HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT) in complex adjuvant breast and nodes irradiation.METHODS Seventy-three patients were included(31 HT and 42 VMAT). Dose were 63.8 Gy(HT) and 63.2 Gy(VMAT) in the tumour bed, 52.2 Gy in the breast, 50.4 Gy in supraclavicular nodes(SCN) and internal mammary chain(IMC) with HT and 52.2 Gy and 49.3 Gy in IMC and SCN with VMAT in 29 fractions. Margins to particle tracking velocimetry were greater in the VMAT cohort(7 mm vs 5 mm).RESULTS For the HT cohort, the coverage of clinical target volumes was as follows: Tumour bed: 99.4% ± 2.4%; breast: 98.4% ± 4.3%; SCN: 99.5% ± 1.2%; IMC:96.5% ± 13.9%. For the VMAT cohort, the coverage was as follows: Tumour bed: 99.7% ± 0.5%, breast: 99.3% ± 0.7%; SCN: 99.6% ± 1.4%; IMC: 99.3% ± 3%. For ipsilateral lung, Dmean and V20 were 13.6 ± 1.2 Gy, 21.1% ± 5%(HT) and 13.6 ± 1.4 Gy, 20.1% ± 3.2%(VMAT). Dmean and V30 of the heart were 7.4 ± 1.4 Gy, 1% ± 1%(HT) and 10.3 ± 4.2 Gy, 2.5% ± 3.9%(VMAT). For controlateral breast Dmean was 3.6 ± 0.2 Gy(HT) and 4.6 ± 0.9 Gy(VMAT). Acute skin toxicity grade 3 was 5% in the two cohorts.CONCLUSION HT and VMAT in complex adjuvant breast irradiation allow a good coverage of target volumes with an acceptable acute tolerance. A longer follow-up is needed to assess the impact of low doses to healthy tissues.

Partial and Full Arc Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in Lung Cancer Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy with Different Definitions of Internal Target Volume Based on 4D CT

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of partial arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in lung cancer stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), as well the volumetric and dosimetric effects of different internal target volume (ITV) definitions with 4D CT. Methods: Fourteen patients with primary and metastatic lung cancer underwent SBRT were enrolled. Full and partial arc VMAT plans were generated with four different ITVs: ITVall, ITVMIP, ITVAIP and ITV2phases, representing ITVs generated from all 10 respiratory phases, maximum intensity projection (MIP), average intensity projection (AIP), and 2 extreme respiratory phases. Volumetric and dosimetric differences, as well as MU and delivery time were investigated. Results: Partial arc VMAT irradiated more dose at 2 cm away from planning target volume (PTV) (P = 0.002), however, it achieved better protection on mean lung dose , lung V5, spinal cord, heart and esophagus compared with full arc VMAT. The average MU and delivery time of partial arc VMAT were 240 and 1.6 min less than those of full arc VMAT. There were no significant differences on target coverage and organ at risks (OARs) sparing among four ITVs. The average percent volume differences of ITVMIP, ITVAIP and ITV2phases to ITVall were 8.6%, 13.4%, and 25.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Although partial arc VMAT delivered more dose 2 cm out of PTV, it decreases the dose to lung, spinal cord, and esophagus, as well decreased the total MU and delivery time compared with full arc VMAT without sacrificing target coverage. Partial arc VMAT was feasible and more efficient for lung SBRT.

Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for limited osteosclerotic myeloma

AIM:To assess the feasibility of volumetric intensity-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) in patients with limited polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome. METHODS:A 70-year-old male with histologically confirmed osteosclerotic myeloma was treated in our department in July 2010 with VMAT. Fourty-six Gray in 23 fractions were given on three bone lesions. Doses delivered to target volume and critical organs were compared with a tridimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-RT) plan. Treatment was well tolerated without any side effects.RESULTS:VMAT improved dose homogeneity within the target volume, as compared to 3D-RT (standard deviations:2.9 Gy and 1.6 Gy for 3D and VMAT, respectively). VMAT resulted in a better sparing of critical organs. Dose delivered to 20% of organ volume (D20) was reduced from 22 Gy (3D-RT) to 15 Gy (VMAT) for small bowel, from 24 Gy (3D-RT) to 17 Gy (VMAT) for bladder and from 47 Gy (3D-RT) to 3 Gy (VMAT) for spinal cord. Volumes of critical organs that received at least 20 Gy (V20) were decreased by the use of VMAT, as compared to 3D-RT (V20 bladder:10% vs 99%; V20 small bowel:6% vs 21%). One year after treatment completion, no tumor progression has been reported. CONCLUSION:VMAT improved dose distribution as compared to 3D-RT for limited osteosclerotic myeloma, with better saving of critical organs.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy Planning Using Modified Dynamic Conformal Arcs under Considering the Possibility for Amended Visual Organ Displacement Resulting from Early Tumor Shrinkage during Treatment for Perioptic Involvement of Myeloma

Treatment planning of radiotherapy for skull base involvement of multiple myeloma presenting with visual impairment should be optimized to alleviate symptoms immediately and sufficiently while minimizing toxicities. Two such patients were treated with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy by using Dynamic Conformal Arcs (DCA) under image guidance based on bony anatomy alignment. DCA planning was optimized after considering the possibility for amendment of visual organ displacement resulting from early tumor shrinkage during treatment through 1) the use of a target volume with modified geometry as a surrogate for leaf adaptation in order to improve target coverage, and 2) manual adjustment of a subset of leaf positions to reduce the dose gradient immediately inside the target boundary facing the visual organs and to eliminate an undesirable dose hotspot. In both cases, anticipated geometric changes in the target volume associated with improvement of visual organ displacement toward the target centroid were observed before the completion of treatment. Favorable visual functional outcomes as well as local tumor control were achieved during 14 months and 4 months follow-up periods. Notably, inexorable visual loss in one patient was fully reversed within one month after radiotherapy. We described the modification techniques for DCA planning in detail.

Case Report: Anaplastic Astrocytoma Treated with Postoperative Radiotherapy Using Flattening Filter-Free Volumetric Arc Therapy (FFF-VMAT) during Pregnancy—Acceptable Fetal Dosimetry

Background: Postoperative irradiation for brain tumor in pregnant women is a matter of concern. Aim: We aimed to assess the safety of radiotherapy for brain tumors in pregnancy. We here report a successful treatment for anaplastic astrocytoma during pregnancy: surgery + postoperative irradiation. We wish to emphasize how we devised irradiation procedure to achieve both therapeutic effectiveness and safety to the fetus/infant. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old pregnant woman suffered with brain anaplastic astrocytoma. Tumor resection under craniotomy was performed with success. We decided to conduct postoperative radiotherapy at 25 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of recurrence. We used a flattening filter-free volumetric arc therapy (FFF-VMAT) technique, which can achieve lower out-of-field dose than VMAT with a flattening filter or helical tomotherapy. We prescribed 60 Gy over 30 fractions. During actual beam delivery, surface and rectal dose to the patient (mother) were measured. The total fetal dose was estimated at 0.006 - 0.018 Gy, which is under the threshold set by the ICRP. A male healthy infant was born vaginally at the 37th week of pregnancy. The patient (mother) and the infant are healthy at the time of writing. Conclusion: FFF-VMAT is a good choice for brain tumors during pregnancy.

直肠癌和宫颈癌容积调强计划的ArcCheck三维剂量验证应用分析

目的探究ArcCheck-3DVH在直肠癌与宫颈癌调强放疗计划上的三维剂量验证效果,并探讨该设备在2组计划剂量验证结果上的差异。方法选取基于Monaco 6.1计划系统的19例直肠癌与21例宫颈癌计划为研究对象。采用SNC Patient计算并比较diff/Dist=3 mm/3%、阈值TH=10条件下放疗计划系统(Treatment Planning System,TPS)与ArcCheck模体测得的γ通过率。再采用3DVH系统重建靶区与危及器官的三维剂量分布,比较其与TPS在D98%(98%的靶区体积接受的最小剂量)、D_(2%)(2%的靶区体积接受的最小剂量)和D_(mean)(平均剂量)等参数条件下的剂量差异。结果19例直肠癌计划在SNC Patient上计算得到的平均γ通过率为99.46%±0.70%,大于3DVH的98.88%±0.46%,且剂量差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。临床靶区的γ通过率均大于94%且在D_(2%)下剂量差异存在统计学意义(P<0.05)。危及器官的γ通过率均大于95%且除小肠V40(器官接受至少40 Gy剂量的体积百分比)、脊髓D_(mean)外,其余危及器官在各参数下差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。21例宫颈癌计划在SNC Patient上计算得到的γ通过率为99.67%[99.35%,99.95%],大于3DVH的98.49%[98.05%,98.95%],且两者之间的差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。临床靶区的γ通过率均大于93.70%并在D_(mean)和D_(2%)下的剂量差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。危及器官的γ通过率均大于91%,且除直肠V30(器官接受至少30 Gy剂量的体积百分比)、脊髓D_(mean)外,其余器官在各参数下的剂量差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论ArcCheck-3DVH系统不仅能整体评估直肠癌和宫颈癌容积旋转调强放疗计划的剂量验证结果,还能进一步提供靶区与危及器官的测量重建剂量和与TPS计算剂量之间的差异。

鼻咽癌放射治疗IMRT与Arc调强计划的剂量学比较

目的分析鼻咽癌放射治疗IMRT与Rapid Arc调强放疗计划方案,为临床提供参考。方法 10例鼻咽癌CT增强扫描模拟定位后勾画CTV,按统一标准外扩PTV;实施均分9野IMRT计划和单弧、双弧、3弧Arc调强计划;以PTV处方剂量70Gy,分析各治疗计划靶区剂量分布和危及器官受限剂量,进行剂量学对比研究并比较治疗时间的长短。结果 IMRT调强计划适形指数及不均匀指数明显优于单弧,与双弧和3弧没有明显区别;各计划之间危及器官受量均低于参考受限剂量;照射体积(irradiation volume,IV)未见明显区别;机器跳数(monitor unit,MU),Arc调强计划明显低于IMRT调强计划;治疗时间上Arc调强计划更短。结论目前虽IMRT计划更符合鼻咽癌的治疗剂量要求,但Arc计划在缩短治疗时间、降低治疗时的机器跳数上有明显优势。

RayArc在胸部旋转调强放射治疗计划设计中的应用

目的:利用RayStation计划系统提供的RayArc模块,在Varian公司的Trilogy加速器上进行胸部容积旋转调强(VMAT)计划设计,并对胸部VMAT和静态调强放射治疗(sIMRT)两种治疗计划的结果进行评价。方法:利用RayStation计划系统进行VMAT计划设计,需要对加速器参数和计划参数进行正确设置。计划设计使用直接子野优化算法,目标函数的选择遵循与sIMRT类似的标准。随机挑选10例胸部肿瘤(食管癌5例,肺癌5例)患者分别使用RayArc模块,制定VMAT计划,并与相应的sIMRT计划比较剂量分布、靶区适形度,以及危及器官剂量方面的差异情况。VMAT计划采用182°到178°的两个360°对偶治疗弧,sIMRT计划采用角度分别为182°、220°、310°、345°、15°、50°、150°的前后7个照射野,子野数为50,两者使用相同的逆向优化目标函数。结果:VMAT治疗计划经过多次优化,基本上可以在30min内完成,并达到放疗医师制定的临床目标。与前后7野sIMRT计划相比,356°双弧VMAT计划具有更好的靶区适形度,但是肺部的低剂量区(V_5)略高。另外,加速器运行VMAT计划治疗效率较高,可将治疗时间由sIMRT的6~8min缩短为2~3min。结论:使用RayStation计划系统的RayArc模块可以快速高效制定VMAT计划。RayArc制定出的胸部对偶双弧VMAT计划与常见的胸部7野sIMRT计划都可以满足放疗医师的临床目标要求,但是VMAT计划具有更好的靶区适形度和更高的治疗效率。

CRT+ARC技术在肺癌“T”形靶区患者放射治疗中的剂量学研究

目的:探讨适形放疗(CRT)+容积旋转调强(ARC)在肺癌"T"形靶区放疗计划中的剂量学特点。方法:使用瓦里安计划系统(Eclipse 10.0)对随机选取的15例已行固定野调强放射治疗(FF-IMRT)治疗的肺癌"T"形靶区的患者,采用CRT和ARC设计CRT+ARC计划,采用CRT和FF-IMRT设计CRT+IMRT计划。在满足相同处方剂量要求的情况下,评价和比较两种治疗计划中计划靶区(PTV)的最小剂量(D_(min))、最大剂量(D_(max))、中位剂量、适形度指数(CI)、均匀性指数(HI)和危及器官受量(正常肺的V_5、V_(10)、V_(13)、V_(20)、V_(30)和平均剂量,脊髓D_(max),心脏V_(20)、V_(30)、V_(40)、V_(45)和平均剂量,食管V50、D_(max)),并比较两种治疗计划正常组织B-P受量和总机器跳数。结果:(1)PTV剂量学指标。CRT+ARC计划与CRT+IMRT计划相比,靶区中位值和V107略有升高,具有统计学意义(P=0.000、0.003),其它剂量学指标(PTV的D_(min)、D_(max)、CI、HI)均无统计学意义。(2)危及器官受量。CRT+ARC计划与CRT+IMRT计划相比,脊髓D_(max)有所降低,且具有统计学意义(P=0.000),正常肺的V13有所升高,但不具有统计学意义,正常肺的V_5、V_(10)、V_(20)、V_(30)和平均剂量有所降低,且V_(20)、V_(30)和平均值具有统计学意义(P=0.000、0.020、0.006);其它危及器官受量,食管V50和D_(max),心脏V_(20)、V_(30)、V_(40)、V_(45)和平均剂量,均无统计学意义。(3)正常组织B-P受量。CRT+ARC计划与CRT+IMRT计划相比,V10略有增高,且具有统计学意义(P=0.030);V_(15)、V_(20)、V_(25)和V_(30)有所降低,且具有统计学意义(P=0.000、0.000、0.000、0.001);其它剂量学指标(V_5、V_(35)、V_(40)、V_(45)和V_(50))无统计学意义。(4)机器跳数。CRT+ARC计划和CRT+IMRT计划单次计划中各射野机器跳数累加之和分别为460±59、1 561±180,两者有显著统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论:对于局部晚期或晚期具有"T"形(或"Y"形)靶区的肺癌患者,CRT+ARC计划比CRT+IMRT计划,在靶区剂量分布、保护肺和脊髓方面表现出了优势,明显减少了机器跳数,且肺和正常组织的低剂量受照体积受量未增加,还有一定程度的降低,这对于CRT+ARC技术在临床上应用,具有重要的指导意义。

ArcCHECK结合3DVH在容积旋转调强放疗剂量验证中的应用研究

目的探索Arc CHECK结合3DVH在容积旋转调强放疗(Volume Rotation Intensity Radiotherapy,VMAT)剂量验证中的应用。方法随机选取20例肿瘤患者,其中鼻咽癌5例,食管癌和肺癌各5例,直肠癌5例。使用Pinnacle3 Version 9.8计划系统(TPS)设计双弧VMAT计划,将计划移植到Arc CHECK模体上重新计算剂量,Arc CHECK模体下出束测量,评估每例患者的γ通过率,然后使用3DVH软件重建靶区和危及器官的剂量分布,与TPS计算结果比较剂量体积参数的偏差。结果20例患者VMAT计划的γ通过率平均值为(98.1±1.1)%,除了1例鼻咽癌患者的低于95%以外,其余病例的γ通过率均>95%。靶区PTV的D_(2%)、D_(98%)、D_(50%)、D_(mean)偏差均在3%以内;危及器官方面,鼻咽癌有1例左、右晶体D_(max)偏差分别在8.63%和7.01%,直肠癌有2例左、右股骨头V_(50)偏差大于5%,其余病例的危及器官剂量体积偏差均小于5%。结论Arc CHECK结合3DVH在VMAT剂量验证中可以提供更多的剂量分布信息,有助于提高临床肿瘤放疗的安全保障。

Volumetric-modulated arc therapy vs c-IMRT in esophageal cancer:A treatment planning comparison

AIM： To compare the volumetric-modulated arc ther- apy （VMAT） plans with conventional sliding window intensity-modulated radiotherapy （c-IMRT） plans in esophageal cancer （EC）. METHODS： Twenty patients with EC were selected, including 5 cases located in the cervical, the upper, the middle and the lower thorax, respectively. Five plans were generated with the eclipse planning sys- tem： three using c-IMRT with 5 fields （5F）, 7 fields （7F） and 9 fields （gF）, and two using VMAT with a single arc （1A） and double arcs （2A）. The treatment plans were designed to deliver a dose of 60 Gy to the plan-ning target volume （PTV） with the same constrains in a 2.0 Gy daily fraction, 5 d a week. Plans were normal- ized to 95% of the PTV that received 100% of the pre- scribed dose. We examined the dose-volume histogram parameters of PTV and the organs at risk （OAR） such as lungs, spinal cord and heart. Monitor units （MU） and normal tissue complication probability （NTCP） of OAR were also reported. RESULTS： Both c-IMRT and VMAT plans resulted in abundant dose coverage of PTV for EC of different Io- cations. The dose conformity to PTV was improved as the number of field in c-IMRT or rotating arc in VMAT was increased. The doses to PTV and OAR in VMAT plans were not statistically different in comparison with c-IMRT plans, with the following exceptions： in cervical and upper thoracic EC, the conformity index （CI） was higher in VMAT （1A 0.78 and 2A 0.8） than in c-IMRT （5F 0.62, 7F 0.66 and 9F 0.73） and homogeneity was slightly better in c-IMRT （7F 1.09 and 9F 1.07） than in VMAT （1A 1,1 and 2A 1.09）, Lung V30 was lower in VMAT （1A 12.52 and 2A 12.29） than in c-IMRT （7F 14.35 and 9F 14.81）. The humeral head doses were significantly increased in VMAT as against c-IMRT. In the middle and lower thoracic EC, CI in VMAT （1A 0.76 and 2A 0.74） was higher than in c-IMRT （5F 0.63 Gy and 7F 0.67 Gy）, and homogeneity was almost similar between VMAT and c-IMRT. V20 （2A 21.49 Gy vs 7F 24.59 Gy and 9F 24.16 Gy） and V30 （2A 9.73 Gy vs 5F 12.61 Gy, 7F 11.5 Gy and 9F 11.37 Gy） of lungs in VMAT were lower than in c-IMRT, but low doses to lungs （V5 and Vl0） were increased. V30 （1A 48.12 Gy vs 5F 59.2 Gy, 7F 58.59 Gy and 9F 57.2 Gy）, V40 and V50 of heart in VMAT was lower than in c-IMRT. MUs in VMAT plans were significantly reduced in comparison with c-IMRT, maximum doses to the spinal cord and mean doses of lungs were similar between the two techniques. NTCP of spinal cord was 0 for all cases. NTCP of lungs and heart in VMAT were lower than in c-IMRT. The advantage of VMAT plan was enhanced by doubling the arc. CONCLUSION： Compared with c-IMRT, VMAT, especial- ly the 2A, slightly improves the OAR dose sparing, such as lungs and heart, and reduces NTCP and MU with a better PTV coverage.

Dosimetry Comparison between Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy with RapidArc and Fixed Field Dynamic IMRT for Local-Regionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective: A dosimetric study was performed to evaluate the performance of volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy with RapidArc on locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: The CT scan data sets of 20 patients of locally advanced NPC were selected randomly. The plans were managed using volumetric modulated arc with RapidArc and fixed nine-field coplanar dynamic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for these patients. The dosimetry of the planning target volumes (PTV), the organs at risk (OARs) and the healthy tissue were evaluated. The dose prescription was set to 70 Gy to the primary tumor and 60 Gy to the clinical target volumes (CTV) in 33 fractions. Each fraction applied daily, five fractions per week. The monitor unit (MU) values and the delivery time were scored to evaluate the expected treatment efficiency. Results: Both techniques had reached clinical treatment’s requirement. The mean dose (Dmean), maximum dose (Dmax) and minimum dose (Dmin) in RapidArc and fixed field IMRT for PTV were 68.4±0.6 Gy, 74.8±0.9 Gy and 56.8±1.1 Gy; and 67.6±0.6 Gy, 73.8±0.4 Gy and 57.5±0.6 Gy (P<0.05), respectively. Homogeneity index was 78.85±1.29 in RapidArc and 80.34±0.54 (P<0.05) in IMRT. The conformity index (CI: 95%) was 0.78±0.01 for both techniques (P>0.05). Compared to IMRT, RapidArc allowed a reduction of Dmean to the brain stem, mandible and optic nerves of 14.1% (P<0.05), 5.6% (P<0.05) and 12.2% (P<0.05), respectively. For the healthy tissue and the whole absorbed dose, Dmean of RapidArc was reduced by 3.6% (P<0.05), and 3.7% (P<0.05), respectively. The Dmean to the parotids, the spinal cord and the lens had no statistical difference among them. The mean MU values of RapidArc and IMRT were 550 and 1,379. The mean treatment time of RapidArc and IMRT was 165 s and 447 s. Compared to IMRT, the delivery time and the MU values of RapidArc were reduced by 63% and 60%, respectively. Conclusion: For locally advanced NPC, both RapidArc and IMRT reached the clinic requirement. The target volume coverage was similar for the different techniques. The RapidArc technique showed some improvements in OARs and other tissue sparing while using reduced MUs and delivery time.

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy dose escalation for locally advanced rectal cancers in the new era of radiotherapy:A review of literature

BACKGROUND The standard treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers(LARC)consists on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision.Different data in literature showed a benefit on tumor downstaging and pathological complete response(pCR)rate using radiotherapy dose escalation,however there is shortage of studies regarding dose escalation using the innovative techniques for LARC(T3-4 or N1-2).AIM To analyze the role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy dose escalation for LARC using innovative radiotherapy techniques.METHODS In December 2020,we conducted a comprehensive literature search of the following electronic databases:PubMed,Web of Science,Scopus and Cochrane library.The limit period of research included articles published from January 2009 to December 2020.Screening by title and abstract was carried out to identify only studies using radiation doses equivalent dose 2 Gy fraction(EQD2)≥54 Gy and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy(VMAT),intensity-modulated radiotherapy or image-guided radiotherapy(IGRT)techniques.The authors’searches generated a total of 2287 results and,according to PRISMA Group(2009)screening process,21 publications fulfil selection criteria and were included for the review.RESULTS The main radiotherapy technique used consisted in VMAT and IGRT modality.The mainly dose prescription was 55 Gy to high risk volume and 45 Gy as prophylactic volume in 25 fractions given with simultaneous integrated boosts technique(42.85%).The mean pCR was 28.2%with no correlation between dose prescribed and response rates(P value≥0.5).The R0 margins and sphincter preservation rates were 98.88%and 76.03%,respectively.After a mean follow-up of 35 months local control was 92.29%.G3 or higher toxicity was 11.06%with no correlation between dose prescription and toxicities.Patients receiving EQD2 dose>58.9 Gy and BED>70.7 Gy had higher surgical complications rates compared to other group(P value=0.047).CONCLUSION Dose escalation neoadjuvant radiotherapy using innovative techniques is safe for LARC achieving higher rates of pCR.EQD2 doses>58.9 Gy is associated with higher rate of surgical complications.

Rapid Arc放射治疗技术对鼻咽癌周围正常组织器官保护的作用

目的研究容积弧形调强(Rapid Arc)放射治疗技术对鼻咽癌周围正常组织器官保护的作用及安全性。方法抽取香港大学深圳医院2017年1月至2018年12月收入鼻咽癌患者总计100例,以信封法将其随机等分成观察组及对照组。对照组设计常规调强放疗计划,观察组则设计Rapid Arc放疗计划。比较两组计划靶区剂量学参数,危及器官计量学参数,治疗跳数(MU)以及计划投照时间等方面的差异。结果观察组各靶区的适形指数均高于对照组(P<0.05);观察组与对照组在各危及器官剂量学参数方面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组MU以及计划投照时间均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论 Rapid Arc放疗技术对鼻咽癌周围正常组织器官保护的作用与常规调强放疗技术相当,但其在靶区适形度方面优于常规调强放疗技术,且可显著缩短治疗时间,减少总机器跳数,继而增加治疗效率。

Predicting Delivery Error Using a DICOM-RT Plan for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prediction of mechanical error using DICOM-RT plan parameters for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). We created plans for gantry rotation arcs of 360° and 180° (full-arc and half-arc VMAT) for six maxillary sinus cancer cases using a Monaco treatment planning system, and delivered the doses with a linear accelerator. We calculated DICOM-RT plan parameters, including gantry, multileaf collimator (MLC) positions and Monitor Units (MU). We compared plans with regard to gantry angle per MU (degrees/MU) and MLC travel per MU (mm/MU) for each segment. Calculated gantry angle/MLC position speeds and errors were evaluated by comparison with the log file. On average, the half-arc VMAT plan resulted in 47% and 35% fewer degrees/MU and mm/MU than the full-arc VMAT plan, respectively. The root mean square (r.m.s.) gantry and MLC speeds showed a linear relationship with calculated degrees/MU and mm/MU, with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.86 and 0.72, respectively. The r.m.s. gantry angle and MLC position errors showed a linear relationship with calculated degrees/MU and mm/MU with R2 of 0.63 and 0.76, respectively. Deviations from plan parameters were related to mechanical error for VMAT, and provided quantitative information without the need for VMAT delivery. These parameters can be used in the selection of treatment planning.

Usability of Deformable Image Registration for Adaptive Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer and an Automatic Prediction of Replanning

Deformable image registration (DIR) has been an important component in adaptive radiotherapy (ART). Our goal was to examine the accuracy of ART using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and to determine the optimal timing of replanning. A total of 22 patients who underwent volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for head and neck (H&N) cancers were prospectively analyzed. The planning target volume (PTV) was to receive a total of 70 Gy in 33 fractions. A second planning CT scan (rescan) was performed at the 15th fraction. The DSC was calculated for each structure on both CT scans. The continuous variables to predict the need for replanning were assessed. The optimal cut-off value was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In the correlation between body weight loss and DSC of each structure, weight loss correlated negatively with DSC of the whole face (rs = -0.45) and the face surface (rs = -0.51). Patients who required replanning tended to have experienced rapid weight loss. The threshold DSC was 0.98 and 0.60 in the whole face and the face surface, respectively. Patients who showed low DSC in the whole face and the face surface required replanning at a significantly high rate (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Weight loss correlated with DSC in both the whole face and the face surface (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05). The DSC values in the face predicted the need for replanning. In addition, weight loss tended to correlate with DSC. DIR during ART was found to be a useful tool for replanning.

Complex Target Volume Delineation and Treatment Planning in Radiotherapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

Introduction: Radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery and/or chemotherapy is being investigated in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This study aimed to simulate a Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) treatment of a patient with MPM. Materials and Methods: CT images from a patient with intact lungs were imported via DICOM into the Pinnacle3 treatment planning (TP) system (TPS) and used as a model for MPM to delineate organs at risk (OAR) and both clinical and planning target volumes (CTV and PTV) with a margin of 5 mm. Elekta Synergy with 6 MV photons and 80 leafs MLCi2 was employed. VMAT plans were generated using two coplanar arcs with gantry rotation angles of 178° - 182°, the collimator angles of each arc were set to 90°, Octavius® 4D 729 was employed for quality assurance while the calculated and measured doses were compared using VeriSoft. Results: A TP was achieved. The Gamma volume analysis with criteria of 3 mm distance to agreement and 3% dose difference yielded the gamma passing rate = 99.9%. The reference isodose was 42.75 Gy with the coverage constraints for the PTV D95 and V95 = 95.0% of 45 Gy. The remaining dosimetric parameters met the recommendations from the clinically acceptable guidelines for the radiotherapy of MPM. Conclusion: Using well-defined TV and VMAT, a consistent TP compared to similar ones from publications was achieved. We obtained a high agreement between the 3D dose reconstructed and the dose calculated.

Dosimetric Comparative Analysis of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy in Cervical Cancer

Objective:To carry out dosimetric comparison between volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)and intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)in cervical cancer.Methods:50 postoperative cervical cancer patients were included in this study.The patients were admitted for treatment from January 2021 to January 2022.VMAT and IMRT plans were designed for each patient to analyze the dose distribution in the target area of the two treatment techniques.Results:Comparing the monitor unit for single treatment(638.21±116.21 MU)and time of single treatment(143.21±23.14 s)in the observation group and the monitor unit for single treatment(932.14±74.11 MU)and time of single treatment(223.14±17.26 s)in the control group,there was significant difference(P<0.05);there was also significant difference(P<0.05)between the normal tissue(bladder and rectum)of the observation group and that(bladder and rectum)of the control group.Conclusion:VMAT is more effective in cervical cancer,and it has a certain protective effect on normal tissues in patients and can reduce the radiation dose.

容积旋转调强放疗计划中优化分组角度对头颈部单、双侧靶区的影响

目的:研究Monaco计划系统中优化分组角度(increment of gantry,INC)对容积旋转调强放疗(volumetric modulated arc therapy,VMAT)计划的影响,为肿瘤放射治疗的计划优化参数提供参考。方法:选择2022年1月—12月上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院收治的需术后放疗的腮腺癌和舌癌患者各15例。其中,舌癌组采用双侧照射,腮腺癌组采用单侧照射。除更改Inc参数外,同一病例的计划设计参数均不改变,计划剂量优化结果要求达到临床使用要求。分别采用20、25、30、35、40优化分组角度进行对比,并以30的优化分组角度所做出的计划作为参考计划。统计并比较靶区的体积剂量D98%、D5%和D2%,以及适形度指数(conformity index,CI)与均匀性指数(homogeneity index,HI)。比较不同Inc参数计划导致的危及器官体积剂量参数和计划跳数。采用SPSS 22.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果:双侧照射的舌癌组计划结果显示,Inc参数设置为30时,靶区的归一性更好。与对照组相比,其余Inc参数计划的靶区HI均有统计学意义;除Inc35计划外,其余CI均有统计学差异。危及器官方面,除左侧腮腺外,右侧腮腺、喉选择优化角度为30的效果最佳(P<0.05),左侧腮腺则20和35的效果最佳(P<0.05)。单侧照射的腮腺癌组计划结果显示,优化角度选择为30时表现更佳,靶区的归一性更好。HI评价结果存在统计差异(P<0.05),同侧中耳Inc为20,25表现较为优秀(P<0.05),喉组织角间距为20、25、40时结果更为优秀(P<0.05),下颌骨角间距为25时表现最为优秀(P<0.05),脊髓、脑干以及对侧腮腺无显著差异。所有计划的跳数随着Inc的增大而减小,单侧照射和双侧照射计划跳数均无统计学差异。结论:容积旋转调强放疗计划优化角度需要根据照射范围和肿瘤类型进行合理选择,Inc默认值30在双侧照射的舌癌靶区计划表现出更多优势;但对于单侧照射的腮腺肿瘤,除靶区存在一定优势外,其他优势并不明显。

趋化因子配体9对乳腺癌脑转移全脑放射治疗患者认知功能衰退的影响

目的基于生物信息学方法探讨趋化因子配体9(CXCL9)对乳腺癌脑转移全脑放射治疗患者认知功能衰退的影响。方法筛选和下载GEO数据库中乳腺癌脑转移数据集GSE43837和GSE12276及阿尔茨海默病(AD)数据集GSE161199的mRNA,采用limma法和韦恩图筛选共同差异表达基因(DEGs),通过GeneMANIA网站进行蛋白互作和功能预测。选取2021年1月-2023年1月于河北北方学院附属第一医院放射治疗科首次就诊的乳腺癌脑转移患者42例,根据认知功能情况分为认知功能正常组与认知功能衰退组,分别于放射治疗前1周和放射治疗后3个月采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测血清CXCL9水平,采用简易精神状态检查量表(MMSE)评估患者的认知功能。结果GSE43837和GSE12276数据集的DEGs包括PKP1、POLDIP2、SPAG5、ALDOC、PTPRZ1、PKIA、TLCD1、CPE、PMP22和CXCL9,GSE161199数据集的DEGs包括RPS16、CD79A、LYPD3、RPL28、HBG2、RPL23AP7、TRNR、CXCL9等。韦恩图显示,CXCL9为乳腺癌脑转移与AD的共有DEGs,功能富集分析提示CXCL9参与了细胞对趋化因子的反应、免疫系统进程的负调控、血管形态发生的负调控、Toll样受体信号通路、核苷酸寡聚化结构域(NOD)样受体信号通路和JAK-STAT信号通路等。放射治疗前,认知功能衰退和认知功能正常乳腺癌脑转移患者分别占61.9%、38.1%,MMSE评分差异有统计学意义[(24.53±2.19)分vs.(28.89±1.36)分,P˂0.01]。与认知功能正常组比较,认知功能衰退组患者脑转移瘤数目明显增加,卡氏健康状况量表(KPS)评分、血清CXCL9水平明显降低(P˂0.05)。放射治疗后3个月,认知功能衰退和认知功能正常的乳腺癌脑转移患者分别占47.6%和52.4%,MMSE评分差异有统计学意义[(25.16±1.98)分vs.(28.18±1.08)分,P˂0.01);与认知功能正常组比较,认知功能衰退组患者的血清CXCL9水平明显降低(P=0.003)。与放射治疗前认知功能正常患者比较,放射治疗后认知功能正常的乳腺癌脑转移患者血清CXCL9水平明显降低(P=0.009)。结论认知功能衰退的乳腺癌脑转移患者血清CXCL9水平明显低于认知功能正常的乳腺癌脑转移患者,全脑放射治疗可能与CXCL9水平降低有一定的相关性。