title: The first implementation of IMRT technique for head & neck and prostate cancer patients in public sector in Greece: feasibility, treatment planning and dose delivery verification using the delta(4PT) Pre-Treatment volumetric quality assurance system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is nowadays the treatment of choice, in terms of technique, for either head & neck or prostate cancer. With this paper, we are sharing our experience for the first inplementation of IMRT planning in the public sector in Greece, and especially in the Aretaieion University Hospital of Athens.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May 2013 until January 2014 four prostate and four head & neck cancer patients were evaluated in the present study. We used the ONCENTRA IMRT treatment planning with a step and shoot technique in a SIEMENS ONCORE Linac. The dose verification method used was based on the delta4(PT) Pre-Treatment volumetric quality assurance system, by Scadidos.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, the Relative Standard Deviation between the prescribed and the calculated average dose received by the target volume was less than 5%, while the γ-index was more than 90%. The acute toxicity was low and equivalent to published data with IMRT technique.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, the first implementation of IMRT technique in the Medical School of Athens was feasible and safe as well as in terms of dose verification. The IMRT technique is already in clinical use and further results with long term radiation induced toxicity will be reported.
authors.affiliation: "Aretaieion" University Hospital, 1st Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy Unit, Medical School, National Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kouloulias
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Antypas
authors.forename: Zoi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liakouli
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Armpilia
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zygogianni
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Floros
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tolia
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kokakis
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kouvaris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017150:Public Sector / Q000592:standards*; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage / Q000592:standards; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000592:standards; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D016896:Treatment Outcome