• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.69-76
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• 1996

Purpose : The aim of this study is to investigate the random and systematic errors and tumor movement using electronic portal imaging device in lung cancer patients for the adequate margin in the treatment planning of 3-dimensional conformal therapy. Material and Methods : The electronic portal imaging device is matrix ion chamber type(Portal Vision, Varian). Ten patients of lung cancer treated with chest irradiation were selected for this study. Patients were treated in the supine position without immobilization device. All treatments were delivered by an 10 MV linear accelerator that had the portal imaging system mounted to its ganrty. AP or PA field Portal images were only analyzed. Radiation therapy field included the tumor, mediastinum and supraclavicular lymph nodes. A total of 103 portal images were analyzed for set-up deviation and 10 multiple images were analyzed for tumor movement because of respiration and cardiac motion. Result : The average values of setup displacements in the x, y direction was 1.41 mm, 1 78 mm, respectively. The standard deviation of systematic component was 4.63 mm, 4.11 mm along the x, y axis, respectively while the random component was 4.17 mm in the x direction and 3.31 mm in the y direction. The average displacement from respiratory movement was 12.2 mm with a standard deviation of 4.03 mm. Conclusion : The overall set-up displacement includes both random and systematic component and respiratory movement. About 10 mm, 25 mm margins along x, y axis which considered the set-up displacement and tumor movement were required for initial 3-dimensional conformal treatment planning in the lung cancer patients and portal images should be made and analyzed during first week of treatment, individually.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.391-396
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• 1995

Purpose : The Conformal Radiation Therapy has bee widely used under favour of development of computer technologies. The delivery of a large number of static radiation fields are being necessary for the conformal irradiation. In this paper we investigate dosimetric characteristics on penumbra regions of a multileaf collimator(MLC), and compare to those of lead alloy block for the optimal use of the system in 3-D conformal radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : The measurement of penumbra by MLC or lead alloy block was performed with 6 or 10 MV X-rays. The film was positioned at a dmax depth and 10 cm depth, and its optical density was determined using a scanning videodensitometer. The effective penumbra, the distance from $80{\%}$ to $20{\%}$ isodose lines and $90{\%}$ to $10{\%}$ were analyzed as a function of the angle between the direction of leaf motion and the edge defined by leaves. Results : Increasing MLC angle ($0-75^{\circ}$) was observed with increasing the penumbra widths and the scalloping effect. There was no definite differences of penumbra width from $80{\%}$ to $20{\%}$ isodose lines, while being the small increase of penumbra width from $90{\%}$ to $10{\%}$ isodose line varing the depth and energy. The effective penumbra width of lead alloy block are agree resonably with those of MLC within 4.8mm. Conclusion : The comparative qualitative study of the penumbra between MLC and lead alloy block demonstrate the clinical acceptability and suitability of the multileaf collimator for 3-D conformal radiotherapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.313-321
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• 2016

Purpose: Total scalp irradiation (TSI) is a rare but challenging indication. We previously reported that non-coplanar intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was superior to coplanar IMRT in organ-at-risk (OAR) protection and target dose distribution. This consecutive treatment planning study compared IMRT with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective treatment plan databank search was performed and 5 patient cases were randomly selected. Cranial imaging was restored from the initial planning computed tomography (CT) and target volumes and OAR were redelineated. For each patients, three treatment plans were calculated (coplanar/non-coplanar IMRT, VMAT; prescribed dose 50 Gy, single dose 2 Gy). Conformity, homogeneity and dose volume histograms were used for plan. Results: VMAT featured the lowest monitor units and the sharpest dose gradient (1.6 Gy/mm). Planning target volume (PTV) coverage and homogeneity was better in VMAT (coverage, 0.95; homogeneity index [HI], 0.118) compared to IMRT (coverage, 0.94; HI, 0.119) but coplanar IMRT produced the most conformal plans (conformity index [CI], 0.43). Minimum PTV dose range was 66.8%-88.4% in coplanar, 77.5%-88.2% in non-coplanar IMRT and 82.8%-90.3% in VMAT. Mean dose to the brain, brain stem, optic system (maximum dose) and lenses were 18.6, 13.2, 9.1, and 5.2 Gy for VMAT, 21.9, 13.4, 14.5, and 6.3 Gy for non-coplanar and 22.8, 16.5, 11.5, and 5.9 Gy for coplanar IMRT. Maximum optic chiasm dose was 7.7, 8.4, and 11.1 Gy (non-coplanar IMRT, VMAT, and coplanar IMRT). Conclusion: Target coverage, homogeneity and OAR protection, was slightly superior in VMAT plans which also produced the sharpest dose gradient towards healthy tissue.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.147-154
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• 2015

The scatter photons and photoneutrons from high energy photon beams (more than 10 MV) will increase the undesired dose to the patient and the staff working in linear accelerator room. This undesired dose which is found at out-of-field area can increase the probability of secondary malignancy. The purpose of this study is to determine the equivalent dose of scatter photons and neutrons generated by 3 different treatment techniques: 3D-conformal, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The measurement was performed using two types of the optically stimulation luminescence detectors (OSL and OSLN) in the Alderson Rando phantom that was irradiated by 3 different treatment techniques following the actual prostate cancer treatment plans. The scatter photon and neutron equivalent dose were compared among the 3 treatments techniques at the surface in the out-of-field area and the critical organs. Maximum equivalent dose of scatter photons and neutrons was found when using the IMRT technique. The scatter neutrons showed average equivalent doses of 0.26, 0.63 and $0.31mSv{\cdot}Gy^{-1}$ at abdominal surface region which was 20 cm from isocenter for 3D, IMRT and VMAT, respectively. The scattered photons equivalent doses were 6.94, 10.17 and $6.56mSv{\cdot}Gy^{-1}$ for 3D, IMRT and VMAT, respectively. For the 5 organ dose measurements, the scattered neutron and photon equivalent doses in out of field from the IMRT plan were highest. The result revealed that the scatter equivalent doses for neutron and photon were higher for IMRT. So the suitable treatment techniques should be selected to benefit the patient and the treatment room staff.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.168-176
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of current study is to evaluate the response of the patients with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) or hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT). In addition, survival of patients and potential prognostic factors of the survival was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with PVT or HVT in HCC, referred to our department for radiotherapy, were retrospectively reviewed. For 3D-CRT plans, a gross tumor volume (GTV) was defined as a hypodense filling defect area in the portal vein (PV) or hepatic vein (HV). Survival of patients, and response to radiation therapy (RT) were analyzed. Potential prognostic factors for survival and response to RT were evaluated. Results: The median survival time of 47 patients was 8 months, with 1-year survival rate of 15% and response rate of 40%. Changes in Child-Pugh score, response to RT, Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOG PS), hepatitis C antibody (HCVAb) positivity, and additional post RT treatment were statistically significant prognostic factors for survival in univariate analysis (p = 0.000, p = 0.018, p = 0.000, p = 0.013, and p = 0.047, respectively). Of these factors, changes in Child-Pugh score, and response to RT were significant for patients' prognosis in multivariate analysis (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively). Conclusion: RT could constitute a reasonable treatment option for patients with PVT or HVT in HCC with acceptable toxicity. Changes in Child-Pugh score, and response to RT were statistically significant factors of survival of patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2020

Purpose: Definitive radiotherapy remains a primary treatment option for early stage glottic cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has emerged as the standard treatment technique for advanced head and neck cancers, whereas three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) has remained standard for early glottic cancers. We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify predictors of IMRT use and effect on outcome in these patients. Materials and Methods: We queried the NCDB from 2004-2015 for squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx staged Tis-T2N0 treated with radiation alone. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of IMRT. Cox regression was used to identify factors predictive of overall survival. Propensity matching was conducted to account for indication bias. Results: We identified 15,627 patients, of which 11% received IMRT. IMRT use rose from 2% in 2004 to 16% in 2015. Predictors of IMRT include: increased comorbidity, T2 stage, urban location, chemotherapy, treatment at an academic center, and later treatment year. Predictors of improved survival were female gender, higher income, lower stage, no chemotherapy, academic facility, and more remote year. There was no difference in survival between 3D-CRT and IMRT across all stages. Conclusions: The rate of IMRT use for early stage glottic laryngeal cancer has increased over time. There was no difference in outcome in patients receiving IMRT versus 3D-CRT across the cohort.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.88-93
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• 1998

Multileaf collimator is essential equipment in conformal radiation therapy, however the use is limitted by increase of penumbra width and undulating dose distribution at the field edge. The purpose of this study is to improve the penumbra and dose distribution in the multileaf collimator field edge. Measurement were performed with X-omat V film in solid water phantom using 6MV photon beam from Siemens linear accelerator. All the measurement were made along the central axis of $5{\times}5cm,\;10{\times}10cm$ circular field for constant SSD of 100 cm. To improve the penumbra and dose distribution collimator was rotated by 15 degrees from 0 to 90 degrees (collimator rotation method) and center was shifted to the longitudinal direction by fourth of lead width (center shift method). We compare the penumbra and dose distribution at the field edge to alloy block. Dose distribution and penumbra width at the feild edge of MLC showed undulated dose pattern and increased penumbra compared with alloy block. However, in the collimator rotation method and center shift method we abtained simular results with alloy block. Through the study we expected that clinical use of MLC will be increase.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2018

Purpose: To compare the dose distribution of three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) to left chest wall. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seven patients were randomised for PMRT in 3DCRT group (n = 64) and IMRT group (n = 43). All patients received 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Planning target volume (PTV) parameters-$D_{near-max}$ ($D_2$), $D_{near-min}$ ($D_{98}$), $D_{mean}$, $V_{95}$, and $V_{107}$-homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index (CI) were compared. The mean doses of lung and heart, percentage volume of ipsilateral lung receiving 5 Gy ($V_5$), 20 Gy ($V_{20}$), and 55 Gy ($V_{55}$) and that of heart receiving 5 Gy ($V_5$), 25 Gy ($V_{25}$), and 45 Gy ($V_{45}$) were extracted from dose-volume histograms and compared. Results: PTV parameters were comparable between the two groups. CI was significantly improved with IMRT (1.127 vs. 1.254, p < 0.001) but HI was similar (0.094 vs. 0.096, p = 0.83) compared to 3DCRT. IMRT in comparison to 3DCRT significantly reduced the high-dose volumes of lung ($V_{20}$, 22.09% vs. 30.16%; $V_{55}$, 5.16% vs. 10.27%; p < 0.001) and heart ($V_{25}$, 4.59% vs. 9.19%; $V_{45}$, 1.85% vs. 7.09%; p < 0.001); mean dose of lung and heart (11.39 vs. 14.22 Gy and 4.57 vs. 8.96 Gy, respectively; p < 0.001) but not the low-dose volume ($V_5$ lung, 61.48% vs. 51.05%; $V_5$ heart, 31.02% vs. 23.27%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: For left sided breast cancer, IMRT significantly improves the conformity of plan and reduce the mean dose and high-dose volumes of ipsilateral lung and heart compared to 3DCRT, but 3DCRT is superior in terms of low-dose volume.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.271-278
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• 2019

Purpose: To investigate the differences in treatment outcomes between two radiation techniques, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 160 (IMRT = 23, 3DCRT = 137) patients with stage I glottic cancer treated from January 2005 through December 2016. The IMRT was performed with TomoTherapy (16 patients), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (6 patients), and step-and-shoot technique (1 patient), respectively. The 3DCRT was performed with bilateral parallel opposing fields. The median follow-up duration was 30 months (range, 31 to 42 months) in the IMRT group and 65 months (range, 20 to 143 months) in the 3DCRT group. Results: The 5-year overall survival and 3-year local control rates of the 160 patients were 95.7% and 91.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in 3-year local control rates between the IMRT and 3DCRT groups (94.4% vs. 91.0%; p = 0.587). Thirteen of 137 patients in the 3DCRT group had recurrences. In the IMRT group, one patient had a recurrence at the true vocal cord. Patients treated with IMRT had less grade 2 skin reaction than the 3DCRT group, but this had no statistical significance (4.3% vs. 21.2%; p = 0.080). Conclusion: IMRT had comparable outcomes with 3DCRT, and a trend of less acute skin reaction in stage I glottic cancer patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.399-408
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• 1998

Purpose : This study was designed to demonstrate the potential therapeutic advantage of 3-dimensional (3-D) treatment planning over the conventional 2-dimensional (2-D) approach in patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Materials and Methods : The two techniques were compared both qualitatively and quantitatively for the boost portion of the treatment (19.8 Gy of a total 70.2 Gy treatment schedule) in patient with T4. The comparisons between 2-D and 3-D plans were made using dose statistics, dose-volume histogram, tumor control probabilities, and normal tissue complication probabilities. Results : The 3-D treatment planning improved the dose homogeneity in the planning target volume. In addition, it caused the mean dose of the planning target volume to increase by 15.2$\%$ over 2-D planning. The mean dose to normal structures such as the temporal lobe, brain stem, parotid gland, and temporomandibular joint was reduced with the 3-D plan. The probability of tumor control was increased by 6$\%$ with 3-D treatment planning compared to the 2-D planning, while the probability of normal tissue complication was reduced. Conclusion : This study demonstrated the potential advantage of increasing the tumor control by using 3-D planning. but prospective studies are required to define the true clinical benefit.