title: Influence of (11)C-choline PET/CT on radiotherapy planning in prostate cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the influence of (11)C-choline PET/CT on radiotherapy planning in prostate cancer patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Precise information on the extension of prostate cancer is crucial for the choice of an appropriate therapeutic strategy. (11)C-choline positron emission tomography ((11)C-choline PET/CT) has two roles in radiation oncology (RT): (1) patient selection for treatment and (2) target volume selection and delineation. In conjunction with high-accuracy techniques, it might offer an opportunity of dose escalation and better tumour control while sparing healthy tissues.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a retrospective study in order to analyse RT planning modification based on (11)C-choline PET/CT in 16 prostate cancer patients. Patients were treated with hypofractionated step-and-shoot Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and a daily cone-beam CT for Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). All patients underwent a (11)C-choline-PET/CT scan prior to radiotherapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 37.5% of cases, a re-delineation and new dose prescription occurred. Data show good preliminary clinical results in terms of biochemical control and toxicity. No gastrointestinal (GI)/genitourinary (GU) grade III toxicities were observed after a median follow-up of 9.5 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our experience, concerning the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa), (11)C-choline PET/CT may be helpful in radiotherapy planning, either for dose escalation or exclusion of selected sites.
authors: Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain.
authors: Escarlata
authors: E
authors: López
authors: Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Lazo
authors: Nuclear Medicine Department, CIMES-FGUMA, Málaga, Spain.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Gutiérrez
authors: Medical Physics Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain.
authors: Gregorio
authors: G
authors: Arregui
authors: Radiology and Physical Medicine Department, Granada University, Spain.
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Núñez
authors: Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, ONCOSUR, Granada, Spain.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Sacchetti
keywords: 11C-choline PET/CT; Prostate cancer; Radiotherapy planning