Dosimetric evaluation of VMAT for palliative radiotherapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Objective:: To compare the dosimetric consequences of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for high-dose palliative thoracic radiotherapy through comparison with conventionally used isocentric parallel opposed pair (POP) of fields.

Methods:: 20 consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received 36 Gy in 12 fractions using a POP technique were re-planned using a single VMAT arc. Salient dosimetric parameters were compared between the plans using a paired t-test.