F. Vali

Comparison of standardized uptake value-based positron emission tomography and computed tomography target volumes in esophageal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy

PURPOSE To study various standardized uptake value (SUV)-based approaches to ascertain the best strategy for delineating metabolic tumor volumes (MTV). METHODS AND MATERIALS Twenty-two consecutive previously treated esophageal cancer patients with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and computed tomography (CT)-based radiotherapy plans were studied. At the level of the tumor epicenter, MTVs were delineated at 11 different thresholds: SUV ≥2, ≥2.5, ≥3, ≥3.5 (SUV(n)); ≥40%, ≥45%, and ≥50% of the maximum (SUV(n%)); and mean liver SUV + 1, 2, 3, and 4 standard deviations (SUV(Lnσ)). The volume ratio and conformality index were determined between MTVs, and the corresponding CT/endoscopic ultrasound-based gross tumor volume (GTV) at the epicenter. Means were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance for repeated measures and further compared using a paired t test for repeated measures. RESULTS The mean conformality indices ranged from 0.33 to 0.48, being significantly (p < 0.05) closest to 1 at SUV(2.5) (0.47 ± 0.03) and SUV(L4σ) (0.48 ± 0.03). The mean volume ratios ranged from 0.39 to 2.82, being significantly closest to 1 at SUV(2.5) (1.18 ± 0.36) and SUV(L4σ) (1.09 ± 0.15). The mean value of the SUVs calculated using the SUV(L4σ) approach was 2.4. CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the SUV thresholding method used (i.e., absolute or relative to liver mean), a threshold of approximately 2.5 yields the highest conformality index and best approximates the CT-based GTV at the epicenter. These findings may ultimately aid radiation oncologists in the delineation of the entire GTV in esophageal cancer patients.

Single versus customized treatment planning for image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer: dosimetric comparison and predicting factor for organs at risk overdose with single plan approach.

PURPOSE To compare the dose distribution between customized planning (CP) and adopting a single plan (SP) in multifractionated high-dose-rate brachytherapy and to establish predictors for the necessity of CP in a given patient. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 50 computed tomography-based plans for 10 patients were evaluated. Each patient had received 6 Gy for five fractions. The clinical target volume and organs at risk (i.e., rectum, bladder, sigmoid, and small bowel) were delineated on each computed tomography scan. For the SP approach, the same dwell position and time was used for all fractions. For the CP approach, the dwell position and time were reoptimized for each fraction. Applicator position variation was determined by measuring the distance between the posterior bladder wall and the tandem at the level of the vaginal fornices. RESULTS The organs at risk D(2cc) (dose to 2 cc volume) was increased with the SP approach. The dose variation was statistically similar between the tandem and ring and tandem and ovoid groups. The bladder D(2cc) dose was 81.95-105.42 Gy(2) for CP and 82.11-122.49 Gy(2) for SP. In 5 of the 10 patients, the bladder would have been significantly overdosed with the SP approach. The variation of the posterior bladder wall distance from that in the first fraction was correlated with the increase in the bladder D(2cc) (SP/CP), with a correlation coefficient of -0.59. CONCLUSION Our results support the use of CP instead of the SP approach to help avoid a significant overdose to the bladder. This is especially true for a decrease in the posterior wall distance of >/=0.5 cm compared with that in the first fraction.