Assessment of set-up variability during deep inspiration breath hold radiotherapy for breast cancer patients by 3D-surface imaging

Abstract

PurposeTo quantify set-up uncertainties during voluntary deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) radiotherapy using 3D-surface imaging in patients with left sided breast cancer. Material and methodsNineteen patients were included. Cone-beam CT-scan (CBCT) was used for online set-up correction while patients were instructed to perform a voluntary DIBH. The reproducibility of the DIBH during treatment was monitored with 2D-fluoroscopy and portal imaging. Simultaneously, a surface imaging system was used to capture 3D-surfaces throughout CBCT acquisition and delivery of treatment beams. Retrospectively, all captured surfaces were registered to the planning-CT surface. Interfraction, intra-fraction and intra-beam set-up variability were quantified in left–right, cranio–caudal and anterior–posterior direction. ResultsInter-fraction systematic (Σ) and random (σ) translational errors (1SD) before and after set-up correction were between 0.20–0.50cm and 0.09–0.22cm, respectively, whereas rotational Σ and σ errors were between 0.08 and 1.56°. The intra-fraction Σ and σ errors were ⩽0.14cm and ⩽0.47°. The intra-beam SD variability was ⩽0.08cm and ⩽0.28° in all directions. ConclusionQuantification of 3D set-up variability in DIBH RT showed that patients are able to perform a very stable and reproducible DIBH within a treatment fraction. However, relatively large inter-fraction variability requires online image guided set-up corrections.