Performance of auto-planning for VMAT hypofractionated left whole-breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost.

Retrospective analysis of volumetric modulated arc therapy plans for hypofractionated left whole-breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost to assess the performance of the auto-planning (AP) engine. Fifteen treatment plans, produced using manual optimization planning approach (MP) were replanned using (AP) approach. Dose-volume parameters were defined to quantify the quality of concurrent treatment plans assessing target coverage and sparing organs at risk (OARs).

Clinical implication in the use of the AAA algorithm versus the AXB in nasopharyngeal carcinomas by comparison of TCP and NTCP values.

Purpose: Retrospective analysis of volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment plans to investigate qualitative, possible, clinical consequences of the use of AAA versus AXB in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) cases.

Methods: The dose distribution of 26 treatment plans, produced using RapidArc technique and AAA algorithm, were recalculated using AXB and the same number of monitor units provided by AAA and clinically delivered to each patient. The potential clinical effect of dosimetric differences in the planning target volume (PTV) and in organs at risk (OAR) were evaluated by comparing TCP and NTCP values.

Clinical implications in the use of the PBC algorithm versus the AAA by comparison of different NTCP models/parameters.

Purpose: Retrospective analysis of 3D clinical treatment plans to investigate qualitative, possible, clinical consequences of the use of PBC versus AAA.

Methods: The 3D dose distributions of 80 treatment plans at four different tumour sites, produced using PBC algorithm, were recalculated using AAA and the same number of monitor units provided by PBC and clinically delivered to each patient; the consequences of the difference on the dose-effect relations for normal tissue injury were studied by comparing different NTCP model/parameters extracted from a review of published studies. In this study the AAA dose calculation is considered as benchmark data.

Comparison between the ideal reference dose level and the actual reference dose level from clinical 3D radiotherapy treatment plans.

Purpose: Retrospective study of 3D clinical treatment plans based on radiobiological considerations in the choice of the reference dose level from tumor dose-volume histograms.

Methods And Materials: When a radiation oncologist evaluates the 3D dose distribution calculated by a treatment planning system, a decision must be made on the percentage dose level at which the prescribed dose should be delivered. Much effort is dedicated to deliver a dose as uniform as possible to the tumor volume.

Use of GAFCHROMIC XR type R films for skin-dose measurements in interventional radiology: Validation of a dosimetric procedure on a sample of patients undergone interventional cardiology.

The Gafchromic XR type R film is a suitable dosimeter to determine the map of the skin dose in patients undergone complex interventional radiological procedures, such as cardiology ones. The need of preventing or locating possible skin injuries due to high doses administered to patients-as recommended by international organizations-wants the introduction in patient dosimetry of a dosimeter easy to handle, with low dependence of the response on energy in the typical radiological range, and extended measurable dose range. XR type R films fulfil all these requirements and moreover may be quickly analyzed by cheap commercial scanners.