Impact of ovary-sparing treatment planning on plan quality, treatment time and gamma passing rates in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for stage I/II cervical cancer.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of ovary-sparing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on plan quality, treatment time, and gamma passing rates for stage I/II cervical cancer patients.

Methods: Fifteen stage I/II cervical cancer patients were retrospectively enrolled, and a pair of clinically suitable IMRT plans were designed for each patient, with (Group A) and without (Group B) ovary-sparing. Plan factors affecting plan quality, treatment time, and gamma passing rates, including the number of segments, monitor units, percentage of small-area segments (field area < 20 cm2), and percentage of small-MU segments (MU < 10), were compared and statistically analyzed. Key plan quality indicators, including ovarian dose, target dose coverage (D98%, D95%, D50%, D2%), conformity index, and homogeneity index, were evaluated and statistically assessed. Treatment time and gamma passing rates collected by IBA MatriXX were also compared.

Results: The median ovarian dose in Group A and Group B was 7.61 Gy (range 6.71-8.51 Gy) and 38.52 Gy (range 29.84-43.82 Gy), respectively. Except for monitor units, all other plan factors were significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (all P < .05). Correlation coefficients between plan factors, treatment time, and gamma passing rates that were statistically different were all negative. Both Groups of plans met the prescription requirement (D95% ≥ 45.00 Gy) for clinical treatment. D98% was smaller for Group A than for Group B (P < .05); D50% and D2% were larger for Group A than for Group B (P < .05, P < .05). Group A plans had worse conformity index and homogeneity index than Group B plans (P < .05, P < .05). Treatment time did not differ significantly (P > .05). Gamma passing rates in Group A were higher than in Group B with the criteria of 2%/3 mm (P < .05) and 3%/2 mm (P < .05).

Conclusion: Despite the slightly decreased quality of the treatment plans, the ovary-sparing IMRT plans exhibited several advantages including lower ovarian dose and plan complexity, improved gamma passing rates, and a negligible impact on treatment time.