Radiotherapy of malignant gliomas: Comparison of volumetric single arc technique (RapidArc), dynamic intensity-modulated technique and 3D conformal technique

Wagner, Daniela; Christiansen, Hans; Wolff, Hendrik; Vorwerk, Hilke

doi:10.1016/j.radonc.2009.10.002

« Previous Next »Radiotherapy & Oncology
Volume 93, Issue 3 , Pages 593-596, December 2009

Radiotherapy of malignant gliomas: Comparison of volumetric single arc technique (RapidArc), dynamic intensity-modulated technique and 3D conformal technique

Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Hospital Goettingen, Germany

Received 18 March 2009; received in revised form 26 September 2009; accepted 3 October 2009. published online 09 November 2009.

Abstract

Purpose

The analysis was designed to identify the optimal radiation technique for patients with malignant glioma.

Methods

A volumetric-modulated radiation treatment technique (RapidArc), an IMRT technique and a 3D conformal technique were calculated on computed tomograms of 14 consecutive patients with malignant glioma. The treatment plans were compared with each other using dose–volume histograms.

Results

The 3D conformal technique showed a good PTV coverage, if PTV was distant to organs at risk (OAR). If PTV was nearby OAR, the 3D technique revealed a poor PTV coverage in contrast to both intensity-modulated techniques. The conventional IMRT technique showed a slightly better PTV coverage than RapidArc. The advantages of RapidArc were a shorter treatment time, less monitor units and a small V_107%.

Conclusions

If PTV is distant to OAR, the use of 3D conformal technique is sufficient. Otherwise an intensity-modulated technique should be used. RapidArc was faster than conventional IMRT and should be preferred if PTV coverage is adequate.

Keywords: IMRT, RapidArc, Radiotherapy, Treatment technique, Brain tumors