Abstract
BackgroundSeveral comparison studies have shown the capability of VMAT to achieve similar or better plan quality as IMRT, while reducing the treatment time. The experience of VMAT in a multi vendor environment is limited. We compared the plan quality and performance of VMAT to IMRT and we investigate the effects of varying various user-selectable parameters.MethodsIMRT, single arc VMAT and dual arc VMAT were compared for four different head-and-neck tumors. For VMAT, the effect of varying gantry angle spacing and treatment time on the plan quality was investigated. A comparison of monitor units and treatment time was performed.ResultsIMRT and dual arc VMAT achieved a similar plan quality, while single arc could not provide an acceptable plan quality. Increasing the number of control points does not improve the plan quality. Dual arc VMAT delivery time is about 30% of IMRT delivery time.ConclusionsDual arc VMAT is a fast and accurate technique for the treatment of head and neck cancer. It applies similar number of MUs as IMRT, but the treatment time is strongly reduced, maintaining similar or better dose conformity to the PTV and OAR sparing.
Highlights
Several comparison studies have shown the capability of Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) to achieve similar or better plan quality as Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), while reducing the treatment time
The focus was to investigate the influence of various user-selectable parameters like number of arcs, gantry angle spacing and the allowed maximal delivery time on the plan quality and to identify the best parameter set for optimal combination of plan quality and treatment time
Step-and-shoot IMRT, single arc and dual arc VMAT For this purpose, the IMRT plans were compared with the single arc VMAT plan and the dual arc plan in order to determine which technique can achieve a better plan quality
Summary
Several comparison studies have shown the capability of VMAT to achieve similar or better plan quality as IMRT, while reducing the treatment time. We compared the plan quality and performance of VMAT to IMRT and we investigate the effects of varying various user-selectable parameters. The result of VMAT optimization may, depend on the choice of various plan parameters, e.g. the number of arcs, the maximal delivery time or the gantry angle spacing between subsequent control points. The focus was to investigate the influence of various user-selectable parameters like number of arcs, gantry angle spacing and the allowed maximal delivery time on the plan quality and to identify the best parameter set for optimal combination of plan quality and treatment time
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