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An endorectal balloon reduces intrafraction prostate motion during radiotherapy
Robert Jan Smeenk1, Robert J W Louwe, Katja M Langen
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. r.smeenk@rther.umcn.nl
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|November 22, 2011
Summary
Endorectal balloons (ERBs) significantly reduce intrafraction prostate motion during radiotherapy, especially for longer treatment sessions. However, ERBs do not impact interfraction motion, suggesting potential benefits for specific radiotherapy protocols.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Prostate Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Prostate motion during radiotherapy can lead to inaccurate radiation delivery.
- Minimizing both intrafraction and interfraction motion is crucial for effective prostate cancer treatment.
- Endorectal balloons (ERBs) are used to stabilize the prostate during treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of endorectal balloons (ERBs) on intrafraction and interfraction prostate motion.
- To determine if ERBs improve treatment accuracy in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Thirty patients undergoing IMRT for prostate cancer were studied.
- Fifteen patients received daily air-filled ERBs; the other 15 did not.
- Prostate motion was tracked in real-time using an electromagnetic system, analyzing interfraction and intrafraction displacements.
Main Results:
- ERBs significantly reduced intrafraction prostate motion, particularly after 150 seconds of treatment.
- No significant difference in interfraction variation was observed between ERB and no-ERB groups.
- Fewer table corrections were needed during treatments with ERBs (88 vs. 207).
Conclusions:
- Endorectal balloons effectively reduce intrafraction prostate motion during radiotherapy.
- ERBs do not significantly alter interfraction prostate motion.
- ERBs may be particularly beneficial for longer radiotherapy treatment sessions, potentially allowing for smaller planning margins.
