Optimization of registration template of cone-beam CT guided whole breast irradiation after lumpectomy of breast cancer

Abstract

Objective To optimize the registration template of kilovohage cone-beam CT (CBCT) guided radiotherapy in whole breast irradiation(WBI)after lumpectomy of breast cancer.Methods From April 2006 to July 2009,twelve patients undergoing WBI with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)were recruited in this study.All patients were performed with both conventional planning CT and CBCT integrated on Varian 23 EX.Six distinguishable referenee points(the diameter 1 mm)around the lumpectomy cavity and the surrounding gland on the planning CT image were marked.The images were manually registered offline based on the breast surface,surgical clips,breast gland,contiguous rib,ipsilaterai lung and its external contours,respectively.The same six reference points were then marked on the CBCT image.The performance of the five registration templates was compared using the concept of registration error,while the registration time was taken into account.The registration error was calculated based on the six reference points'translations between the planning CT image and CBCT image,and analyzed with SPSS 13.0 software using one-way ANOVA.Results The values of the registration error for the breast surface,surgical clips,breast gland, contiguous rib,ipsilateral lung and its external contours were(0.60±0.20),(0.43±0.15),(0.49±0.19),(0.69±0.36)and(0.94±0.49)cm,respectively,and the registration time were(3.8±1.1),(3.0±0.9),(4.7±1.7),(4.3±1.3)and(4.5±1.3)min,respectively.There was no statistical difforence between the breast surface,surgical clips and breast gland registration template(t=0.48-1.36,P>0.05),the same result trend to contiguous rib compared with ipsilateral lung(t=2.00,P=0.055),however,there was significant difference between surgical clips and the last two registration methods(t=2.08-4.08,P<0.05).Conclusion In this initial study with a modest number of patients,surgical clips show a best registration template from the standpoint of accuracy and efficiency,whereas contiguous rib and ipsilateral lung are not an ideal method. Key words: Breast cancer/radiotherapy; Image guided; Cone-beam CT