Linac radiosurgery at the joint center for radiation therapy

Abstract

The Joint Center for Radiation Therapy (JCRT) has treated intra-cranial lesions with high-dose single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) since 1986 and with multi-fraction stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) since 1992. This paper describes the JCRT techniques for treatment planning and delivery for SRS, and to a limited extent for SRT. LINAC quality assurance, treatment delivery, and patient management for stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy technique are closely related at the JCRT, although differences exist. An historical retrospective of our experience with stereotactic techniques including imaging modalities, treatment planning techniques, optimization methods, and treatment delivery is presented. Three treatment planning approaches, single isocenter, multiple isocenter, and micro-jaw field shaping are used to demonstrate the capabilities and technical dosimetric features of each approach. The major planning differences and clinical of each technique are described. From our experience, lesions less than 3.0 cm in maximum extent are well treated with circular fields using either a single or multiple isocenter configuration. Lesions greater than 3.0 cm in maximum extent usually benefit from field shaping using the micro-jaws. For these large lesions, the shaped field approach typically improves the dose homogeneity as well as reduces the amount of healthy brain irradiated. Our physicians choose between the three techniques to meet the desired clinical outcome the patient’s situation requires.