• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.233-238
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• 2014

Purpose : The Varian's Eclipse radiation treatment planning system is able to correct radiation treatment thought leaf gap which is limitation MLC movement for collision with both MLC. In this study, I'm try to analyze dosimetric effect about the leaf gap in treatment planning system. And then apply to clinical implement. Materials and Methods : The Elclipse version is 10.0. In general, the leaf gap set to 0.05~0.3 mm and must measurement each leaf gap. The leaf gap measured by each LINACs and photons. We applied to measured each leaf gap in IMRT and VMAT. Changing the leaf gap, we evaluated treatment plans by Dmax, CI, etc. Results : When the same plan was evaluated with changing the leaf gap, an increase of 2-5% over the value Dmax, CI increases mm to 0.0~0.50 mm leaf gap. Volumetric modulated and intensity modulated radiation therapy plans all showed the same trend was not found significant between each radiation treatment planning. Conclusion : Generally, the leaf gap setting has a unique measure of the Multileaf collimator. However, the aging of the Multileaf collimator, calibration, and can be changed, after inspection and repair of the lip gap should eventually because these values affect the treatment plan must be applied to the treatment after confirmation. In some cases, may be to maintain the initial setting value of the lip gap, which is undesirable because it can override the influence on the treatment plan.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.413-422
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• 2019

Heavy ion particle, represented carbon ion, radiotherapy is currently most advanced radiation therapy technique. Conventional radiation therapy has made remarkable changes over a relatively short period of time and leading various developments such as intensity modulated radiation therapy, 4D radiation therapy, image guided radiation therapy, and high precisional therapy. However, the biological and physical superiority of particle radiation, represented by Bragg peak, can give the maximum dose to tumor and minimal dose to surrounding normal tissues in the treatment of cancers in various areas surrounded by radiation-sensitive normal tissues. However, despite these advantages, there are some limitations and factors to consider. First, there is not enough evidence, such as large-scale randomized, prospective phase III trials, for the clinical application. Secondly, additional studies are needed to establish a very limited number of treatment facilities, uncertainty about the demand for heavy particle treatment, parallel with convetional radiotherapy or indications. In addition, Bragg peak of the heavy particles can greatly reduce the dose to the normal tissues front and behind the tumor compared to the photon or protons. High precision and accuracy are needed for treatment planning and treatment, especially for lungs or livers with large respiratory movements. Currently, the introduction of the heavy particle therapy device is in progress, and therefore, it is expected that more research will be active.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.285-293
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• 2006

$\underline{Purpose}$: This study was to search the optimal slice thickness of computed tomography (CT) in an intensity modulated radiation therapy plan through changing the slice thickness and comparing the change of the calculated absorbed dose with measured absorbed dose. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: An intensity modulated radiation therapy plan for a head and neck cancer patient was done, first of all. Then CT with various ranges of slice thickness ($0.125{\sim}1.0\;cm$) for a head and neck anthropomorphic phantom was done and the images were reconstructed. The plan parameters obtained from the plan of the head and neck cancer patient was applied into the reconstructed images of the phantom and then absorbed doses were calculated. Films were inserted into the phantom, and irradiated with 6 MV X-ray with the same beam data obtained from the head and neck cancer patient. Films were then scanned and isodoses were measured with the use of film measurement software and were compared with the calculated isodeses. $\underline{Results}$: As the slice thickness of CT decreased, the volume of the phantom and the maximum absorbed dose increased. As the slice thickness of CT changed from 0.125 to 1.0 cm, the maximum absorbed dose changed ${\sim}5%$. The difference between the measured and calculated volume of the phantom was small ($3.7{\sim}3.8%$) when the slice thickness of CT was 0.25 cm or less. The difference between the measured and calculated dose was small ($0.35{\sim}1.40%$) when the slice thickness of CT was 0.25 cm or less. $\underline{Conclusion}$: Because the difference between the measured and calculated dose in a head and neck phantom was small and the difference between the measured and calculated volume was small when the slice thickness of CT was 0.25 cm or less, we suggest that the slice thickness of CT should be 0.25 cm or less for an optimal intensity modulated radiation therapy plan.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.154-161
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• 2013

This study assessed compared photon and proton treatment techniques, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), uniform scanning proton therapy (USPT), and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), for a total of 10 prostate cancers. All treatment plans delivered 70 Gy to 95% of the planned target volume in 28 fractions. IMRT plans had 7 fields for the step and shoot technique, while USPT and IMPT plans employed two equally weighted, parallel-opposed lateral fields to deliver the prescribed dose to the planned target. Inverse planning was then incorporated to optimize IMPT. The homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) for the target and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for organ at risk (OAR) were calculated. Although the mean HI and CI for target were not significantly different for each treatment techniques, the NTCP of the rectum was 2.233, 3.326, and 1.707 for IMRT, USPT, and IMPT, respectively. The NTCP of the bladder was 0.008, 0.003, and 0.002 respectively. The NTCP values at the rectum and bladder were significantly lower using IMPT. Our study shows that using proton therapy, particularly IMPT, to treat prostate cancer could be beneficial compared to 7-field IMRT with similar target coverage. Given these results, radiotherapy using protons, particularly optimized IMPT, is a worthwhile treatment option for prostate cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.120-125
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to present the preliminary results of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the treatment of tonsillar cancer. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 12 patients who underwent IMRT for tonsillar cancer at Asan Medical Center between November 2002 and February 2007. Seven patients (58%) received definitive treatment, and five (42%) were treated in the postoperative setting. Among the definitively treated patients, 6 patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Simultaneous modulated accelerated radiation therapy (SMART) was used in nine patients. The prescribed dose was 72 Gy at 2.4 Gy/fraction for the definitively treated cases and 61.6 Gy at 2.2 Gy/fraction for the postoperative cases. The median follow-up period was 34 months. Results: All twelve patients completed treatment without interruption, and eleven showed a complete response. One patient had persistent loco-regional disease after treatment. The three-year estimates of loco-regional control, disease-free survival and overall survival were 91.7%, 91.7%, and 100%. The worst acute mucositis was Grade 1 in four patients, Grade 2 in five patients, Grade 3 in two patients and Grade 4 in one patient. Grade 3 xerostomia was observed in six patients. Conclusion: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was shown to be a safe and effective treatment modality for tonsillar cancer. Further studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period are needed to evaluate the ultimate tumor control and late toxicity of IMRT for treating tonsillar cancer.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.189-195
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• 2016

This paper aims to verify the clinical feasibility of a custom-made film created by a laser cutting tool for End-to-End (E2E) quality assurance in robotic intensity modulated radiation therapy system. The custom-made film was fabricated from the Gafchromic EBT3 film with the size of $8^{{\prime}{\prime}}{\times}10^{{\prime}{\prime}}$ using a drawing that is identical to the shape and scale of the original E2E film. The drawing was created by using a computer aided design program with the image file, which is obtained by scanning original E2E film. Beam delivery and evaluations were respectively performed with the original film and the custom-made film using fixed-cone collimator on three tracking modes: 6D skull (6DS), Xsight spine (XS), and Xsight lung (XL). The differences between total targeting errors of the original and custom-made films were recorded as 0.17 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.17 mm at 6DS, XS, and XL tracking modes, respectively. This indicates that the custom-made film could yield nearly equivalent results to those of the original E2E film, given the uncertainties caused by distortions during film scanning and vibrations associated with film cutting. By confirming the clinical feasibility of a custom-made film for E2E testing, it can be expected that economic efficiency of the testing will increase accordingly.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.325-331
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• 2017

Purpose: There is controversy regarding the cosmetic outcome after accelerated partial breast radiation (APBR). We report the cosmetic outcome from a single-arm prospective clinical trial of APBR delivered using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in elderly patients with stage I breast cancer (BC), using a novel fractionation schedule. Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients aged ${\geq}65$, with Stage I BC who underwent breast-conserving surgery were enrolled in a phase I/II study evaluating a 2-week course of APBR. Thirty eligible patients received 40 Gy in 4 Gy daily fractions. Cosmetic outcome was assessed subjectively by physician/patient and objectively by using a computer program (BCCT.core) before APBR, during, and after completion of the treatment. Results: The median age was 72 years, the median tumor size was 0.8 cm, and the median follow-up was 50.5 months. The 5-year locoregional control in this cohort was 97% and overall survival 87%. At the last follow-up, patients and physicians rated cosmesis as 'excellent' or 'good' in 100% and 91 %, respectively. The BCCT.core program scored the cosmesis as 'excellent' or 'good' in 87% of the patients at baseline and 81% at the last follow-up. The median $V_{50}$ (20 Gy) of the whole breast volume (WBV) was 37.2%, with the median WBV $V_{100}$ (40 Gy) of 10.9%. Conclusion: An excellent rate of tumor control was observed in this prospective trial. By using multiple assessment techniques, we are showing acceptable cosmesis, supporting the use of IMRT planned APBR with daily schedule in elderly patients with early stage BC.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.99-106
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• 2011

Purpose: To analyze our quality assurance (QA) data for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) according to treatment site and to possibly improve QA for IMRT in Hospital. Materials and Methods: We performed QA on 50 patients (head and neck, 28 patients; Breast, 14 patients; Pelvis, 8 patients) for IMRT. The calculated dose from RTP was compared with the measured value film, gamma index, and ionization chamber for dose measurement in each case. Results: The point dose measurement results in 45 of 50 patients showed good agreement with the calculation dose (${\pm}3%$). The largest error measured thus far has been 3.60%, with a mean of only -0.17% (SD, 2.25%). Each treatment site showed an error rate of -0.13% (SD, 1.93%) for head and neck cases, -0.26% (SD, 2.79%) for breast cases, and 0.24% (SD, 2.44%) for pelvis cases. The gamma index verified with the error rate of head and neck cases (6%), breast (10%), and pelvis (6%), which corresponded to a tolerance of 3 mm (3% for the head and neck, 2%, for the breast 1% for the pelvis, and 0% in the region where the isodose curve was greater than 90%. Conclusion: We recognize the cause of errors for each treatment site of IMRT QA and so we maximize our efforts to reduce error and increase accuracy.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2014

Purpose : For non-small cell lung cancer, if the treatment volume is large or the total lung volume is small, and the tumor is located in midline of patient's body, total lung dose tends to increase due to tolerance dose of spinal cord. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the total lung dose of three dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3D CRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT) using restricted angle for non-small cell lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods : The treatment plans for four patients, being treated on TrueBeam STx($Varian^{TM}$, USA) with 10 MV and prescribed dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions, 3D CRT, restricted angle IMRT and VAMT radiotherapy plans were established. Planning target volume(PTV), dose to total lung and spinal cord were evaluated using the dose volume histogram(DVH). Conformity index(CI), homogeneity index(HI), Paddick's index(PCI) for the PTV, $V_{30}$, $V_{20}$, $V_{10}$, $V_5$, mean dose for total lung and maximum dose for spinal cord was assessed. Results : Average value of CI, HI and PCI for PTV was $0.944{\pm}0.009$, $1.106{\pm}0.027$, $1.084{\pm}0.016$ respectively. $V_{20}$ values from 3D CRT, IMRT and VMAT plans were 30.7%, 20.2% and 21.2% for the first patient, 33.0%, 29.2% and 31.5% for second patient, 51.3%, 34.3% and 36.9% for third patient, finally 56.9%, 33.7% and 40.0% for the last patient. It was noticed that the $V_{20}$ was lowest in the IMRT plan using restricted angle. Maximum dose for spinal cord was evaluated to lower than the tolerance dose. Conclusion : For non-small cell lung cancer, IMRT with restricted angle or VMAT could minimize the lung dose and lower the dose to spinal cord below the tolerance level. Considering PTV coverage and tolerance dose to spinal cord, it was possible to obtain IMRT plan with smaller angle and this could result in lower dose to lung when compared to VMAT.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.25-39
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• 2021

Brachytherapy, along with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), is an essential and effective radiation treatment process. In brachytherapy, in contrast to EBRT, the radiation source is radioisotopes. Because these isotopes can be positioned inside or near the tumor, it is possible to protect other organs around the tumor while delivering an extremely high-dose of treatment to the tumor. Brachytherapy has a long history of more than 100 years. In the early 1900s, the radioisotopes used for brachytherapy were only radium or radon isotopes extracted from nature. Over time, however, various radioisotopes have been artificially produced. As radioisotopes have high radioactivity and miniature size, the application of brachytherapy has expanded to high-dose-rate brachytherapy. Recently, advanced treatment techniques used in EBRT, such as image guidance and intensity modulation techniques, have been applied to brachytherapy. Three-dimensional images, such as ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography are used for accurate delineation of treatment targets and normal organs. Intensity-modulated brachytherapy is anticipated to be performed in the near future, and it is anticipated that the treatment outcomes of applicable cancers will be greatly improved by this treatment's excellent dose delivery characteristics.