Linac-based VMAT radiosurgery for multiple brain lesions: comparison between a conventional multi-isocenter approach and a new dedicated mono-isocenter technique

Ruggieri, Ruggero; Naccarato, Stefania; Mazzola, Rosario; Ricchetti, Francesco; Corradini, Stefanie; Fiorentino, Alba und Alongi, Filippo (2018): Linac-based VMAT radiosurgery for multiple brain lesions: comparison between a conventional multi-isocenter approach and a new dedicated mono-isocenter technique. In: Radiation Oncology 13:38

Abstract

Background: Linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/FSRT) of multiple brain lesions using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is typically performed by a multiple-isocenter approach, i.e. one isocenter per lesion, which is time-demanding for the need of independent setup verifications of each isocenter. Here, we present our initial experience with a new dedicated mono-isocenter technique with multiple non-coplanar arcs (HyperArc (TM), Varian Inc.) in terms of a plan comparison with a multiple-isocenter VMAT approach. Methods: From August 2017 to October 2017, 20 patients with multiple brain metastases (mean 5, range 2-10) have been treated by HyperArc in 1-3 fractions. The prescribed doses (Dp) were 18-25 Gy in single-fraction, and 21-27 Gy in three-fractions. Planning Target Volume (PTV), defined by a 2 mm isotropic margin from each lesion, had mean dimension of 9.6 cm(3) (range 0.5-27.9 cm(3)). Mono-isocenter HyperArc VMAT plans (HA) with 5 non-coplanar 180 degrees-arcs (couch at 0 degrees, +/- 45 degrees, +/- 90 degrees) were generated and compared to multiple-isocenter VMAT plans (RA) with 2 coplanar 360 degrees-arcs per isocenter. A dose normalization of 100% Dp at 98% PTV was adopted, while D-2%(PTV) < 150% D-p was accepted. All plans had to respect the constraints on maximum dose to the brainstem (D-0.5cm3 < 18 Gy) as well as to the optical nerves/chiasm, eyes and lenses (D-0.5cm3 < 15 Gy). HA and RA plans were compared in terms of dose-volume metrics, by Paddick conformity (CI) and gradient (GI) index and by V-12 and mean dose to the brain-minus-PTV, and in terms of MU and overall treatment time (OTT) per fraction. OTT was measured for HA treatments, whereas for RA plans OTT was estimated by assuming 3 min. For initial patient setup plus 5 min. For each CBCT-guided setup correction per isocenter. Results: Significant variations in favour of HA plans were computed for both target dose indexes, CI (p <.01) and GI (p <.01). The lower GI in HA plans was the likely cause of the significant reduction in V-12 to the brain-minus-PTV (p =.023). Although at low doses, below 2-5 Gy, the sparing of the brain-minus-PTV was in favour of RA plans, no significant difference in terms of mean doses to the brain-minus-PTV was observed between the two groups (p =.31). Finally, both MU (p <.01) and OTT (p <.01) were significantly reduced by HyperArc plans. Conclusions: For linac-based SRS/FSRT of multiple brain lesions, HyperArc plans assured a higher CI and a lower GI than standard multiple-isocenter VMAT plans. This is consistent with the computed reduction in V-12 to the brain-minus-PTV. Finally, HyperArc treatments were completed within a typical 20 min. time slot, with a significant time reduction with respect to the expected duration of multiple-isocenters VMAT.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1748-717X
• Sprache: Englisch