A simple technique for craniospinal radiotherapy in the supine position

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy Technology

Background:

• Craniospinal irradiation presents significant technical challenges in radiation oncology.
• Advancements in imaging and treatment planning technologies offer potential solutions.
• Accurate target localization and beam definition are crucial for effective central nervous system (CNS) irradiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel CT-based technique for whole CNS irradiation in the supine position.
• To demonstrate the reduction in simulation and treatment times using this CT-based approach.
• To highlight the benefits of fixed field parameters and asymmetric jaws for treatment delivery.

Main Methods:

• Patients undergo CT simulation and are treated in the supine position.
• Clinical target volumes and critical structures are delineated on planning CT scans.
• Half-beam blocked lateral fields with collimator rotation and asymmetric jaws are utilized for precise beam matching and junction feathering.

Main Results:

• The supine position enhances patient comfort and treatment reproducibility.
• CT simulation significantly decreases planning time and improves accuracy.
• Asymmetric jaws enable effective junction feathering without altering patient setup.

Conclusions:

• The developed CT-based technique streamlines whole CNS irradiation.
• Supine positioning offers clinical and logistical advantages for radiotherapy.
• This approach represents an advancement in radiotherapy for CNS malignancies, improving efficiency and accuracy.