Robust optimization used to mitigate setup uncertainties in vulvar patients receiving VMAT

Many radiation planning techniques have been used to increase dose to the vulvar surface when treating patients with vulvar cancer with volumetric modulated arc therapy. Target volumes near the skin surface, such as vulvar tumors, do not meet the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements safety guidelines. Without the needed expansions and setup uncertainties, there are concerns that treated dose to the vulvar surface varies from the planned dose. The purpose of this study was to determine if the robust optimization tool used in volumetric modulated arc therapy planning can reproducibly deliver prescription dose to the vulvar skin surface despite setup uncertainties and reduced safety margins.
Source: Medical Dosimetry - Category: Radiology Authors: Source Type: research