Clinical implementation of an automated planning system for gamma knife radiosurgery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate an automated treatment planning system for gamma knife radiosurgery. This planning system was developed in our clinic and is now in routine clinical use. The system simultaneously optimizes the shot sizes, locations, and weights. It also guides the user in selecting the total number of radiation shots.


METHODS
We assessed the clinical significance of the automated system by comparing an optimized plan with a manual plan for 10 consecutive patients treated at our gamma knife facility. Each treatment plan was analyzed using dose-volume histograms in conjunction with the conformity index, the minimum target dose, and the integral normal tissue dose.


RESULTS
On average, the treatment plan produced by the inverse planning tool provided an improved conformity index, a higher minimum target dose, and a reduced volume of the 30% isodose line as compared to the corresponding plan developed by an experienced physician. An optimized treatment plan can typically be produced in 10 min or less.


CONCLUSIONS
The automated planning system consistently provides a high-quality treatment plan while reducing the time required for gamma knife treatment planning.
Shepard
David M
DM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201-1595, USA. dshep001@umaryland.edu
Chin
Lawrence S
LS
DiBiase
Steven J
SJ
Naqvi
Shahid A
SA
Lim
Jinho
J
Ferris
Michael C
MC
D006801:Humans; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted