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Radiation Oncology

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Treating lung cancer with dynamic conformal arc therapy: a dosimetric study

Authors: Primož Peterlin, Karmen Stanič, Ignasi Méndez, Andrej Strojnik

Published in: Radiation Oncology | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Lung cancer patients are often in poor physical condition, and a shorter treatment time would reduce their discomfort. Dynamic conformal arc therapy (DCAT) offers a shorter treatment time than conventional 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) and is usually available even in departments without inverse planning possibilities. We examined its suitability as a treatment modality for lung cancer patients.

Methods

On a cohort of 35 lung cancer patients, relevant dosimetric parameters were compared in respective DCAT and 3D CRT treatment plans. Radiochromic film dosimetry in an anthropomorphic phantom was used to compare both DCAT and 3D CRT dose distributions against their planned counterparts.

Results

In comparison with their 3D CRT counterparts, DCAT plans equal or exceed the agreement between the calculated dose and the dose measured using film dosimetry. In dosimetric comparison, DCAT performed significantly better than 3D CRT in dose conformity to PTV and the number of monitor units used per plan, and significantly worse in dose homogeneity, mean lung dose and lung volume exposed to 5 Gy or more (V5Gy). No significant difference was found in the V20Gy value to lung, dose to 1 cm³ of spinal cord, and the mean dose to oesophagus. Improvements in V20Gy and V5Gy were found to be negatively correlated. DCAT plans differ from 3D CRT by exhibiting a moderate negative correlation between target volume sphericity and dose homogeneity.

Conclusions

With respect to the agreement between the planned and the irradiated dose distribution, DCAT appears at least as reliable as 3D CRT. In specific conditions concerning the patient anatomy and treatment prescription, DCAT may yield more favourable dosimetric parameters. On average, however, conventional 3D CRT usually obtains better dosimetric parameters. We can thus only recommend DCAT as a complementary technique to the conventional 3D CRT.

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Title: Treating lung cancer with dynamic conformal arc therapy: a dosimetric study
Authors: Primož Peterlin
Karmen Stanič
Ignasi Méndez
Andrej Strojnik
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Radiation Oncology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1748-717X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13014-017-0823-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Treating lung cancer with dynamic conformal arc therapy: a dosimetric study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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