AIM: In this study, an accuracy survey of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc radiation therapy (VMAT) implementation in radiotherapy centers in Thailand was conducted. BACKGROUND: It is well recognized that there is a need for radiotherapy centers to evaluate the accuracy levels of their current practices, and use the related information to identify opportunities for future development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An end-to-end test using a CIRS thorax phantom was carried out at 8 participating centers. Based on each center's protocol for simulation and planning, linac-based IMRT or VMAT plans were generated following the IAEA (CRP E24017) guidelines. Point doses in the region of PTVs and OARs were obtained from 5 ionization chamber readings and the dose distribution from the radiochromic films. The global gamma indices of the measurement doses and the treatment planning system calculation doses were compared. RESULTS: The large majority of the RT centers (6/8) fulfilled the dosimetric goals, with the measured and calculated doses at the specification points agreeing within ±3% for PTV and ±5% for OARS. At 2 centers, TPS underestimated the lung doses by about 6% and spinal cord doses by 8%. The mean percentage gamma pass rates for the 8 centers were 98.29 ± 0.67% (for the 3%/3 mm criterion) and 96.72 ± 0.84% (for the 2%/2 mm criterion). CONCLUSIONS: The 8 participating RT centers achieved a satisfactory quality level of IMRT/VMAT clinical implementation.
AIM: In this study, an accuracy survey of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc radiation therapy (VMAT) implementation in radiotherapy centers in Thailand was conducted. BACKGROUND: It is well recognized that there is a need for radiotherapy centers to evaluate the accuracy levels of their current practices, and use the related information to identify opportunities for future development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An end-to-end test using a CIRS thorax phantom was carried out at 8 participating centers. Based on each center's protocol for simulation and planning, linac-based IMRT or VMAT plans were generated following the IAEA (CRP E24017) guidelines. Point doses in the region of PTVs and OARs were obtained from 5 ionization chamber readings and the dose distribution from the radiochromic films. The global gamma indices of the measurement doses and the treatment planning system calculation doses were compared. RESULTS: The large majority of the RT centers (6/8) fulfilled the dosimetric goals, with the measured and calculated doses at the specification points agreeing within ±3% for PTV and ±5% for OARS. At 2 centers, TPS underestimated the lung doses by about 6% and spinal cord doses by 8%. The mean percentage gamma pass rates for the 8 centers were 98.29 ± 0.67% (for the 3%/3 mm criterion) and 96.72 ± 0.84% (for the 2%/2 mm criterion). CONCLUSIONS: The 8 participating RT centers achieved a satisfactory quality level of IMRT/VMAT clinical implementation.
Authors: C H Clark; E A Miles; M T Guerrero Urbano; S A Bhide; A M Bidmead; K J Harrington; C M Nutting Journal: Br J Radiol Date: 2009-03-30 Impact factor: 3.039
Authors: Catharine H Clark; Vibeke Nordmark Hansen; Hannah Chantler; Craig Edwards; Hayley V James; Gareth Webster; Elizabeth A Miles; M Teresa Guerrero Urbano; Shree A Bhide; A Margaret Bidmead; Christoper M Nutting Journal: Radiother Oncol Date: 2009-10 Impact factor: 6.280