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Can Simultaneous Integrated Boost Provide Better Dosimetric Coverage Compared To Sequential Boost In Prone Breast Treatment Of Large Breast Volumes?, Kinze Kraft

Culminating Experience Projects

Introduction: This study investigates the dosimetric differences between sequential boost (SeB) and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) techniques in prone breast radiotherapy for patients with large breast volumes, utilizing a 3D-CRT planning technique. Prone positioning in radiotherapy has shown to be effective in reducing heart and lung doses, yet limited research exists to compare overall plan quality between SeB and SIB using this technique. This analysis aims to evaluate whether SIB provides better dosimetric coverage and reduced dose to organs at risk (OARs) compared to SeB in prone breast radiotherapy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from ten patients …

Interfraction Variability Of Breathing Amplitude Of Patients Undergoing Sbrt Lung Treatment And The Potential Impact On Dosimetry, Christian Padilla Gallegos

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Abstract

Introduction

The study investigated the consistency of free breathing planning margins for fractionated SBRT treatment in the lung. The study compared breathing motion from the average CT (AVE CT) scan to the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) from each treatment session. Various breathing techniques were also discussed, including deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), gated breathing, abdominal compression (AC), and free breathing (FB). Free-breathing may lead to overdosing on surrounding healthy tissue if significant changes in breathing amplitude occur. Abdominal compression or breath hold may reduce abnormal breathing movement if erratic breathing occurs. The study's aim was to ensure the …

Quantitative Benefits Of Reducing The Inferior Border Of Right-Sided Free Breathing Intact Breast Treatment Plans Regarding Liver Dose, Shelby Handshue

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Introduction

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease in the United States, affecting approximately one in eight women during their lifetime (Leaver & Washington, 2010). Advancements in medical treatments have evolved from mastectomy to a multidisciplinary approach. Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in preventing local recurrence after breast conserving surgery. Traditionally, whole breast irradiation has been administered over 25-28 fractions to a total dose of 45-50 Gray (Gy), followed by a boost of 5-8 fractions to the tumor bed. In recent times, hypofractionation, which involves a shorter treatment schedule of 15-16 fractions to a total dose of 42.5 Gy, followed …

A Dosimetric Comparison Of Coplanar And Non-Coplanar Beam Arrangement For Apbi Treatment Techniques, Reuben Granger

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Abstract

Introduction

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women in the United States, necessitating a variety of treatment strategies. Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (aPBI) has emerged as an effective treatment technique for early-stage breast cancer, offering reduced treatment duration and potential benefits in terms of cosmesis and patient convenience. One of the critical factors influencing the success of APBI is the choice of beam arrangement during radiation delivery. This research paper presents a dosimetric comparison of coplanar and non-coplanar beam arrangements for APBI treatment techniques.

Methods

The study includes 15 patients with left-sided breast cancer. The patients underwent two …

Determination Of Optimal Block Margins For Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (Sbrt) Of Island-Type Lung Lesions With Dynamic Conformal Arc Therapy (Dcat) And Acuros Xb., George C. Kozan

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Abstract

Introduction

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) has become a highly effective treatment option for patients with island-type lung lesions, offering precise targeting and minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Acuros XB dose calculation algorithm has shown promising results in delivering high radiation doses with improved accuracy. Dynamic Conformal Arc Therapy (DCAT) has shown promise with lesions that are uniform and non-concave. Combining Acuros and DCAT has potential to help when planning Island-type lung SBRT. However, determining the optimal block margins for this treatment approach remains a critical challenge to find a balance between tumor coverage and sparing of critical …

A Quantitative Investigation Of Treating Lung Tumors With Dynamic Conformal Arcs Vs. Vmat For Lung Sbrt Plans, Shawn Loutos

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Introduction

This study aims to investigate the comparisons in dynamic conformal arc, VMAT (no ASC), forced MU limitations (ASC), or a 50/50 hybrid arc (ASC) in how they can improve a lung SBRT case where the tumor is abutting a dose critical structure. The goal of this research is to investigate multiple treatment techniques in an attempt to increase the dose constraint pass rate. The variables in comparison are how well different plan iterations can successfully meet constraints as well as pass a 0.5 modulation complexity score (MCS).

Methods

10 previously treated patients were used in this study who exhibited …

Using Radformation Ezfluence Software To Simplify Three Field Breast Radiation Therapy Planning Compared To Field-In-Field Technique, Brianna L. Woodburn

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Purpose: To evaluate time savings, efficiency, and accuracy of an automated planning software.

Methods: 10 previously treated breast cancer patients with supraclavicular involvement were retrospectively planned using a monosiocentric field-in-field technique by both an automated treatment planning software and a human planner. Time spent on planning was recorded and after plans were generated, dose constraints and target coverage were measured to evaluate overall plan quality.

Results: Time spent for planning was significantly decreased when using a FIF plan generated by the automated planning software. CTV target coverage for both the breast and supraclavicular volumes and dose to OARs for both …

Effects Of Ezfluence Planning Software On Dosimetric Parameter Compliance For Early-Stage Breast Cancer, Jackie Loomis

Culminating Experience Projects

Each year over 2 million women are given a breast cancer diagnosis and over half a million women succumb to the disease yearly. As technology advances in the world of radiation oncology, automated planning softwares, such as Radformation’s EZFluence, are being utilized to streamline the treatment planning process. This study was designed to investigate whether the automated plans are dosimetrically equivalent to traditionally planned 3D field in field tangential plans. Is there a disadvantage to using these automated softwares? Three different dosimetrists with varying backgrounds replanned 27 previously treated breast cancer patients and an assortment of comparisons were ran between …

A Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Retrospective Planning Study Of Left Sided Chest Wall Treatments With And Without Bolus, Telly J. Armstrong

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Introduction

VMAT planning techniques have been used more to treat difficult‐to‐plan post‐mastectomy cases. The primary advantage of VMAT is the better performance at intermediate-high dose sparing and mean heart dose, without sacrificing target coverage. The location of the chest wall leads to clinical target volumes (CTV) adjoined to the skin which would generate a planning target volume (PTV) located outside the body. To overcome these limitations a virtual bolus is used during optimization. The purpose of the study is to evaluate if a VMAT technique without a bolus, with 5 mm virtual bolus, or 1 cm virtual bolus provides better …

A Quantitative Study Of Correlations Between Patient Load With The Usage Of Artificial Intelligence Treatment Planning Tools (Auto Planning, Adaptive Rt, Clear Check, Deformable Dose, Auto-Contouring, Ezfluence, Etc.) A United States Context, Casey Joy Ervick

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Abstract

Introduction:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the process of automating tasks that were traditionally done manually. AI can be used throughout the dosimetry treatment planning process for external beam radiation treatments. Artificial intelligence has the opportunity to help reduce treatment planning time and help to increase the quality of treatment plans. The workload of cancer treatment facilities across the United States varies greatly. This study aims to determine if the workload of a treatment facility has an impact upon the usage of artificial intelligence during treatment planning.

Methods:

This study is a qualitative study of 96 survey participants. The survey …

A Dosimetric Study On Photon Beam Energies With And Without A Flattening Filter In Sbrt Treatments For Prostate Cancer, Alexis F. Puruleski

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Purpose: The role of radiation therapy in managing prostate cancer has developed and improved greatly throughout the years. The purpose of this study was to analyze a newly developing method of treatment practices with two different therapy energies.

Methods: This retrospective study pulled patient data from the facility’s treatment planning system database who had primary prostate cancer treated to the prostate bed. Each patient was planned for the same treatment technique with two different beam energies, 6X and 6FFF (flattening filter free).

Results: A two-sample t-test was done to compare means of the max doses to the bladder, rectum, and …