Optimal normal tissue sparing in craniospinal axis irradiation using IMRT with daily intrafractionally modulated junction(s)

Johannes M.A.M. Kusters, Rob J.W. Louwe, Peter G.M. Van Kollenburg, Martina C. Kunze-Busch, Corrie E.M. Gidding, Erik J. Van Lindert, Johannes H.A.M. Kaanders, Geert O.R.J. Janssens*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a treatment technique for craniospinal irradiation using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with improved dose homogeneity at the field junction(s), increased target volume conformity, and minimized dose to the organs at risk (OARs). Methods and Materials: Five patients with high-risk medulloblastoma underwent CT simulation in supine position. For each patient, an IMRT plan with daily intrafractionally modulated junction(s) was generated, as well as a treatment plan based on conventional three-dimensional planning (3DCRT). A dose of 39.6 Gy in 22 daily fractions of 1.8 Gy was prescribed. Dose-volume parameters for target volumes and OARs were compared for the two techniques. Results: The maximum dose with IMRT was <107% in all patients. V <95 and V >107 were <1 cm 3 for IMRT compared with 3-9 cm 3 for the craniospinal and 26-43 cm 3 for the spinal-spinal junction with 3DCRT. These observations corresponded with a lower homogeneity index and a higher conformity index for the spinal planning target volume with IMRT. IMRT provided considerable sparing of acute and late reacting tissues. V 75 for the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and intestine was 81%, 81%, and 22% with 3DCRT versus 5%, 0%, and 1% with IMRT, respectively. V 75 for the heart and thyroid was 42% and 32% vs. 0% with IMRT. Conclusion: IMRT with daily intrafractionally modulated junction results in a superior target coverage and junction homogeneity compared with 3DCRT. A significant dose reduction can be obtained for acute as well as late-reacting tissues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1405-1414
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Volume81
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Craniospinal irradiation
  • IMRT
  • Intrafractionally modulated junction

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