title: Template-based breast IMRT planning for increased workload efficiency.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To be less resource intensive, we developed a template-based breast IMRT technique (TB-IMRT). This study aims to compare resources and dose distribution between TB-IMRT and conventional breast radiation (CBR).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients with early stage breast cancer were planned using CBR and TB-IMRT. Time to plan, coverage of volumes, dose to critical structures and treatment times were evaluated for CBR and TB-IMRT. Two sided-paired t tests were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  TB-IMRT planning time was less than CBR (14.0 vs 39.0 min, p < 0.001). Fifteen patients with CBR needed 18 MV, and 11 of these were planned successfully with TB-IMRT using 6 MV. TB-IMRT provided better homogeneity index (0.096 vs 0.124, p < 0.001) and conformity index (0.68 vs 0.59, p = 0.003). Dose to critical structures were comparable between TB-IMRT and CBR, and treatment times were also similar (6.0 vs 7.8 min, p = 0.13).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TB- IMRT provides reduction of planning time and minimizes the use of high energy beams, while providing similar treatment times and equal plans compared to CBR. This technique permits efficient use of resources with a low learning curve, and can be done with existing equipment and personnel.
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Agency-Fraser Valley Centre, Surrey, BC, Canada. sonia_nguyen_7@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Sonia Kim Anh
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Ramani
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ramaseshan
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.forename: Krista
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuncewicz
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elith
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lester
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McGregor
authors.forename: Bilal
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shahine
authors.forename: Winkle
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kwan
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000379:methods*; D016526:Workload