Stereotactic body radiotherapy with volumetric intensity-modulated arc therapy and flattening filter-free beams: dosimetric considerations

• DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02181-8
• Publication Date: 2023-12-13T19:02:11Z
• Authors: Mark Christoph Br...; Detlef Imhoff; Claus Rödel; Natalie Filmann; Jörg Licher; Ulla Ramm; Janett Köhn
• Keywords: Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Liver Neoplasms; Humans; Original Article; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Radiosurgery; Retrospective Studies

Abstract Purpose The present study comparatively evaluates the impact of energy-matched flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beams with different energy levels on physical-dosimetric quality lung and liver stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment plans. Methods For this purpose, 54 lesions from 44 patients who had already received SBRT combined volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were included in retrospective planning study. Planning computed tomography scans available used for renewed 6 MV, MV-FFF, 10 MV-FFF under constant objectives. delivery data, dosimetric distributions, dose–volume histograms as well parameters such conformity index gradient indices basis evaluation comparison Results A significant reduction beam-on time (BOT) was achieved due to high dose rates FFF beams. In addition, we showed that compared flattened same level, smaller target volumes (PTV) require fewer monitor units (MU) than larger PTVs. An equal slightly superior volume coverage sparing healthy tissue organs at risk both found. Significant differences seen mainly medium lower range. Conclusion We found together VMAT represent an excellent combination or shortest BOT but savings lesions.