Dose estimation to critical organs from vertex field treatment of brain tumors

Radiotherapy-induced malignancies: review of clinical features, pathobiology, and evolving approaches for mitigating risk

One of the most significant effects of radiation therapy on normal tissues is mutagenesis, which is the basis for radiation-induced malignancies. Radiation-induced malignancies are late complications arising after radiotherapy, increasing in frequency among survivors of both pediatric and adult cancers. Genetic backgrounds harboring germline mutations in tumor suppressor genes are recognized risk factors. Some success has been found with using genome wide association studies to identify germline polymorphisms associated with susceptibility. The insights generated by genetics, epidemiology, and the development of experimental models are defining potential strategies to offer to individuals at risk for radiation-induced malignancies. Concurrent technological efforts are developing novel radiotherapy delivery to reduce irradiation of normal tissues, and thereby, to mitigate the risk of radiation-induced malignancies. The goal of this review is to discuss epidemiologic, modeling, and radiotherapy delivery data, where these lines of research intersect and their potential impact on patient care.

Suppression of dark current radiation in step-and-shoot intensity modulated radiation therapy by the initial pulse-forming network

The effect of the initial pulse forming network (IPFN) on the suppression of dark current is investigated for a Siemens Primus accelerator. The dark current produces a spurious radiation, which is referred to as dark current radiation (DCR) in this study. In the step-and-shoot delivery of an intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the DCR could be of some concern for whole body dose along with leakage radiation through collimator jaws or multileaf collimator. By adjusting the IPFN-to-PFN ratio to >0.8, the DCR can be measured with an ion chamber during the "PAUSE" state of the accelerator in the IMRT mode. For 15 MV x rays, the magnitude of the DCR is approximately equal to 0.7% of the dose at dmax for a 10 x 10 cm2 field. The DCR has a similar central axis depth dose as a 15 MV beam as determined from a water phantom scan. When the IPFN-to-PFN ratio is lowered to <0.8, no DCR is detected. For low energy x rays (6 MV), no DCR is detected regardless of the IPFN-to-PFN ratio. Although the DCR is studied only for the Siemens Primus model accelerator, the same precaution applies to other models of modern accelerators from other vendors. Due to the large number of field segments used in a step-and-shoot IMRT, it is imperative therefore, that dark current evaluation be part of machine commissioning and annual calibration for high-energy photon beams. Should DCR be detected, the medical physicist should work with a service engineer to rectify the problem. In view of DCR and whole body dose, low-energy photon beams are advisable for IMRT.

Three-dimensional conformal radiation treatment planning and delivery for low- and intermediate-grade gliomas

Three-Dimensional conformal radiation treatment (3D-CRT) planning and delivery is an external beam radiation therapy modality that has the general goal of conforming the shape of a prescribed dose volume to the shape of a 3-dimensional target volume, simultaneously limiting dose to critical normal structures. 3-Dimensional conformal therapy should include at least one volumetric imaging study of the patient. This image should be obtained in the treatment position for visualizing the target and normal anatomic structures that are potentially within the irradiated volume. Most often, computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used; however, recently, other imaging modalities such as functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans have been used to visualize the clinically relevant volumes. This article will address the clinically relevant issues with regard to low- and intermediate-grade gliomas and the role of 3D-CRT planning. Specific issues that will be addressed will include normal tissue tolerance, target definition, treatment field design in regard to isodose curves and dose-volume histograms, and immobilization.

[Conformal radiotherapy of brain tumors]

Conformal irradiation of brain tumours is based on the three-dimensional reconstruction of the targeted volumes and at-risk organ images, the three-dimensional calculation of the dose distribution and a treatment device (immobilisation, beam energy, collimation, etc.) adapted to the high precision required by the procedure. Each step requires an appropriate methodology and a quality insurance program. Specific difficulties in brain tumour management are related to GTV and CTV definition depending upon the histological type, the quality of the surgical resection and the medical team. Clinical studies have reported dose escalation trials, mostly in high-grade gliomas and tumours at the base of the skull. Clinical data are now providing a better knowledge of the tolerance of normal tissues. As for small tumours, the implementation of beam intensity modulation is likely to narrow the gap between conformal and stereotaxic radiotherapy.