M. Jameson

A review of methods of analysis in contouring studies for radiation oncology

Inter‐observer variability in anatomical contouring is the biggest contributor to uncertainty in radiation treatment planning. Contouring studies are frequently performed to investigate the differences between multiple contours on common datasets. There is, however, no widely accepted method for contour comparisons. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on contouring studies in the context of radiation oncology, with particular consideration of the contouring comparison methods they employ. A literature search, not limited by date, was conducted using Medline and Google Scholar with key words: contour, variation, delineation, inter/intra observer, uncertainty and trial dummy‐run. This review includes a description of the contouring processes and contour comparison metrics used. The use of different processes and metrics according to tumour site and other factors were also investigated with limitations described. A total of 69 relevant studies were identified. The most common tumour sites were prostate (26), lung (10), head and neck cancers (8) and breast (7).The most common metric of comparison was volume used 59 times, followed by dimension and shape used 36 times, and centre of volume used 19 times. Of all 69 publications, 67 used a combination of metrics and two used only one metric for comparison. No clear relationships between tumour site or any other factors that may influence the contouring process and the metrics used to compare contours were observed from the literature. Further studies are needed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each metric in various situations.

Uncertainties in volume delineation in radiation oncology: A systematic review and recommendations for future studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Volume delineation is a well-recognised potential source of error in radiotherapy. Whilst it is important to quantify the degree of interobserver variability (IOV) in volume delineation, the resulting impact on dosimetry and clinical outcomes is a more relevant endpoint. We performed a literature review of studies evaluating IOV in target volume and organ-at-risk (OAR) delineation in order to analyse these with respect to the metrics used, reporting of dosimetric consequences, and use of statistical tests. METHODS AND MATERIALS Medline and Pubmed databases were queried for relevant articles using keywords. We included studies published in English between 2000 and 2014 with more than two observers. RESULTS 119 studies were identified covering all major tumour sites. CTV (n=47) and GTV (n=38) were most commonly contoured. Median number of participants and data sets were 7 (3-50) and 9 (1-132) respectively. There was considerable heterogeneity in the use of metrics and methods of analysis. Statistical analysis of results was reported in 68% (n=81) and dosimetric consequences in 21% (n=25) of studies. CONCLUSION There is a lack of consistency in conducting and reporting analyses from IOV studies. We suggest a framework to use for future studies evaluating IOV.

A review of interventions to reduce inter‐observer variability in volume delineation in radiation oncology

Inter‐observer variability (IOV) in target volume and organ‐at‐risk (OAR) delineation is a source of potential error in radiation therapy treatment. The aims of this study were to identify interventions shown to reduce IOV in volume delineation.

Correlation of contouring variation with modeled outcome for conformal non-small cell lung cancer radiotherapy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Contouring variation is a well know uncertainty in modern radiotherapy. This study investigates the relationship between contouring variation, tumor control probability (TCP) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for conformal non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Seven patients were retrospectively recruited to the study and multiple PTV contours were generated based on CT and PET imaging by three observers. Plans were created for each PTV volume. Volumes were analyzed geometrically using volume, location, dimension and conformity index (CI). Radiobiological plan analysis consisted of two TCP models and EUD. Spearmans correlation coefficient (ρ) was used to quantify the association between geometric variation and radiobiological metrics. RESULTS The variation in CI and TCP for the study was 0.66-0.90% and 0.19-0.68%. Changes in lateral dimension and volume were significantly correlated with TCP and EUD with an average ρ of -0.49 and 0.43 (p<0.01) respectively. CONCLUSIONS TCP and geometric contour variation show significant correlation. This correlation was most significant for changes in lateral dimensions of PTV volumes. This association may be used in the assessment of contouring protocol violations in multicenter clinical trials and aid in the design of future contouring studies.

How important is dosimetrist experience for intensity modulated radiation therapy? A comparative analysis of a head and neck case

PURPOSE Treatment planning for IMRT is a complex process that requires additional training and expertise. The aim of this study was to compare and analyze IMRT plans generated by dosimetrists with varying levels of IMRT planning experience. METHODS AND MATERIALS The computed tomography (CT) data of a patient previously treated with IMRT for left tonsillar carcinoma were used. The patients preexisting planning target volumes (PTVs) and all organs at risk were provided with the CT data set. Six dosimetrists with variable IMRT planning experience generated IMRT plans according to the departments protocol. Plan analysis included visual inspection and comparison of dose-volume histogram, conformity indices, treatment delivery efficiency, and dose delivery accuracy. RESULTS Visual review of the dose distribution showed that the 6 plans were comparable. However, only the 2 most experienced dosimetrists were able to meet the strict PTV aims and critical structure constraints. The least experienced dosimetrist had the worst planning outcome. Comparison of delivery efficiency showed that the number of segments, total monitor units, and treatment time increased as the IMRT planning experience decreased. CONCLUSIONS Dosimetrists with higher levels of IMRT planning experience produced a better quality head and neck IMRT plan. Different planning experience may need to be considered when organizing appropriate departmental resources.

Endorectal balloons in the post prostatectomy setting: Do gains in stability lead to more predictable dosimetry?

PURPOSE To perform a comparative study assessing potential benefits of endorectal-balloons (ERB) in post-prostatectomy patients. METHOD AND MATERIALS Ten retrospective post-prostatectomy patients treated without ERB and ten prospective patients treated with the ERB in situ were recruited. All patients received IMRT and IGRT using kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kVCBCT). kVCBCT datasets were registered to the planning dataset, recontoured and the original plan recalculated on the kVCBCTs to recreate anatomical conditions during treatment. The imaging, structure and dose data were imported into in-house software for the assessment of geometric variation and cumulative equivalent uniform dose (EUD) in the two groups. RESULTS The difference in location (ΔCOV) for the bladder between planning and each CBCT was similar for each group. The range of mean ΔCOV for the rectum was 0.15-0.58 cm and 0.15-0.59 cm for the non-ERB and ERB groups. For superior-CTV and inferior-CTV the difference between planned and delivered D95% (mean ± SD) for the non-ERB group was 2.1 ± 6.0 Gy and -0.04 ± 0.20 Gy. While for the ERB group the difference in D95% was 8.7 ± 12.6 Gy and 0.003 ± 0.104 Gy. CONCLUSIONS The use of ERBs in the post-prostatectomy setting did improve geometric reproducibility of the target and surrounding normal tissues, however no improvement in dosimetric stability was observed for the margins employed.

Survey of image-guided radiotherapy use in Australia

This study aimed to evaluate the current use of imaging technologies for planning and delivery of radiotherapy (RT) in Australia.

A phantom assessment of achievable contouring concordance across multiple treatment planning systems

In this paper, the highest level of inter- and intra-observer conformity achievable with different treatment planning systems (TPSs), contouring tools, shapes, and sites have been established for metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient (DICE) and Hausdorff Distance. High conformity values, e.g. DICE(Breast_Shape)=0.99±0.01, were achieved. Decreasing image resolution decreased contouring conformity.

Imaging dose in breast radiotherapy: does breast size affect the dose to the organs at risk and the risk of secondary cancer to the contralateral breast?

Correct target positioning is crucial for accurate dose delivery in breast radiotherapy resulting in utilisation of daily imaging. However, the radiation dose from daily imaging is associated with increased probability of secondary induced cancer. The aim of this study was to quantify doses associated with three imaging modalities and investigate the correlation of dose and varying breast size in breast radiotherapy.

An accuracy assessment of different rigid body image registration methods and robotic couch positional corrections using a novel phantom

PURPOSE Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images greatly reduces interfractional patient positional uncertainties. An understanding of uncertainties in the IGRT process itself is essential to ensure appropriate use of this technology. The purpose of this study was to develop a phantom capable of assessing the accuracy of IGRT hardware and software including a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system and to investigate the accuracy of the Elekta XVI system in combination with the HexaPOD robotic treatment couch top. METHODS The constructed phantom enabled verification of the three automatic rigid body registrations (gray value, bone, seed) available in the Elekta XVI software and includes an adjustable mount that introduces known rotational offsets to the phantom from its reference position. Repeated positioning of the phantom was undertaken to assess phantom rotational accuracy. Using this phantom the accuracy of the XVI registration algorithms was assessed considering CBCT hardware factors and image resolution together with the residual error in the overall image guidance process when positional corrections were performed through the HexaPOD couch system. RESULTS The phantom positioning was found to be within 0.04 (σ = 0.12)°, 0.02 (σ = 0.13)°, and -0.03 (σ = 0.06)° in X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, enabling assessment of IGRT with a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system. The gray value registration algorithm showed the least error in calculated offsets with maximum mean difference of -0.2(σ = 0.4) mm in translational and -0.1(σ = 0.1)° in rotational directions for all image resolutions. Bone and seed registration were found to be sensitive to CBCT image resolution. Seed registration was found to be most sensitive demonstrating a maximum mean error of -0.3(σ = 0.9) mm and -1.4(σ = 1.7)° in translational and rotational directions over low resolution images, and this is reduced to -0.1(σ = 0.2) mm and -0.1(σ = 0.79)° using high resolution images. CONCLUSIONS The phantom, capable of rotating independently about three orthogonal axes was successfully used to assess the accuracy of an IGRT system considering 6 degrees of freedom. The overall residual error in the image guidance process of XVI in combination with the HexaPOD couch was demonstrated to be less than 0.3 mm and 0.3° in translational and rotational directions when using the gray value registration with high resolution CBCT images. However, the residual error, especially in rotational directions, may increase when the seed registration is used with low resolution images.