Implement a knowledge-based automated dose volume histogram prediction module in Pinnacle3 treatment planning system for plan quality assurance and guidance.

Hao Xu,Jiawei Fan,Weigang Hu,Jiayu Lu,Jiazhou Wang

doi:10.1002/acm2.12689

Abstract

PurposeThis work aims to develop a knowledge‐based automated dose volume histogram (DVH) prediction module that serves as a plan quality evaluation tool and treatment planning guidance in commercial Pinnacle3 treatment planning system (Philips Radiation Oncology Systems, Fitchburg, WI, USA).MethodsThe knowledge‐based automated DVH prediction module was developed with kernel density estimation (KDE) method and applied for Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Treatment plan data from 20 esophageal cancer cases were used for creating a module to predict DVHs. Twenty additional esophageal clinical plans were evaluated on the developed module. Predicted DVHs were compared with manual ones. Differences between the predicted and achieved DVHs were analyzed.ResultsThe plan evaluation module was successfully implemented in Pinnacle3 treatment planning system. Strong linear correlations were found between predicted and achieved DVH for organs at risk. Suboptimal treatment plan quality could be improved according to the predicted DVHs by the module.ConclusionThe knowledge‐based automated DVH prediction module implemented in Pinnacle3 could be used to efficiently evaluate the treatment plan quality and as guidance for further plan optimization.

Highlights

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a popular clinical treatment modality used worldwide
We have proposed a new knowledge‐based auto‐planning solution for IMRT treatment planning.[19]
dose volume histogram (DVH) data, voxels of planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR) extracted from these plans were used as training data

Summary

Introduction

Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a popular clinical treatment modality used worldwide. Compared to conventional beams of uniform intensity, intensities of radiation beams are modulated in IMRT to deliver a nonuniform dose distribution to the tumor target. A desired target dose conformity and sufficient sparing of critical structures could be achieved through IMRT planning.[1,2,3] An. Hao Xu and Jiayu Lu contributed . The efficiency of making an IMRT plan and the quality of this plan depend on the clinical experience of the dosimetrist.[3,4,5]. Esophageal plan quality has been investigated for different treatment modalities.[6] Compared to three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), IMRT plans generally show better target dose coverages and lower mean doses to organs at risk (OARs).

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Conclusion