Estimating differences in volumetric flat bone growth in pediatric patients by radiation treatment method.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate potential differences in volumetric bone growth in children with sarcoma treated with intensity-modulated (IMRT) and conformal (CRT) radiation therapy using an empiric dose-effect model.


METHODS
A random coefficient model was used to estimate potential volumetric bone growth of 36 pelvic bones (ischiopubis and ilium) from 11 patients 4 years after radiotherapy. The model incorporated patient age, pretreatment bone volume, integral dose >35 Gy, and time since completion of radiation therapy. Three dosimetry plans were entered into the model: the actual CRT/IMRT plan, a nontreated comparable IMRT/CRT plan, and an idealized plan in which dose was delivered only to the planning target volume. The results were compared with modeled normal bone growth.


RESULTS
The model predicted that by using the idealized, IMRT, and CRT approaches, patients would maintain 93%, 87%, and 84%, respectively (p = 0.06), of their expected normal growth. Patients older than 10 years would maintain 98% of normal growth, regardless of treatment method. Those younger than 10 years would maintain 87% (idealized), 76% (IMRT), or 70% (CRT) of their expected growth (p = 0.015). Post hoc testing (Tukey) revealed that the CRT and IMRT approaches differed significantly from the idealized one but not from each other.


CONCLUSIONS
Dose-effect models facilitate the comparison of treatment methods and potential interventions. Although treatment methods do not alter the growth of flat bones in older pediatric patients, they may significantly impact bone growth in children younger than age 10 years, especially as we move toward techniques with high conformity and sharper dose gradient.
Hua
Chiaho
C
Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiological Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-2794, USA. Chi-Ho.Hua@stjude.org
Shukla
Hemant I
HI
Merchant
Thomas E
TE
Krasin
Matthew J
MJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001846:Bone Development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D007223:Infant; D007512:Ischium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011630:Pubic Bone / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000532:radiotherapy*