Radiotherapy of malignant gliomas: comparison of volumetric single arc technique (RapidArc), dynamic intensity-modulated technique and 3D conformal technique.
OBJECTIVE
The analysis was designed to identify the optimal radiation technique for patients with malignant glioma.


METHODS
A volumetric-modulated radiation treatment technique (RapidArc), an IMRT technique and a 3D conformal technique were calculated on computed tomograms of 14 consecutive patients with malignant glioma. The treatment plans were compared with each other using dose-volume histograms.


RESULTS
The 3D conformal technique showed a good PTV coverage, if PTV was distant to organs at risk (OAR). If PTV was nearby OAR, the 3D technique revealed a poor PTV coverage in contrast to both intensity-modulated techniques. The conventional IMRT technique showed a slightly better PTV coverage than RapidArc. The advantages of RapidArc were a shorter treatment time, less monitor units and a small V(107%).


CONCLUSIONS
If PTV is distant to OAR, the use of 3D conformal technique is sufficient. Otherwise an intensity-modulated technique should be used. RapidArc was faster than conventional IMRT and should be preferred if PTV coverage is adequate.
Wagner
Daniela
D
Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Hospital Goettingen, Germany. d.m.wagner@med.uni-goettingen.de
Christiansen
Hans
H
Wolff
Hendrik
H
Vorwerk
Hilke
H
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005910:Glioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000379:methods; D013679:Technology, Radiologic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed