Optimization of brain metastases radiotherapy with TomoHDA
1London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre and Departments of Oncology and Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
Summary
Helical tomotherapy with dynamic jaws improves target precision by reducing the penumbra. This upgrade allows for precise radiation delivery, even with varied dose prescriptions for complex cases like brain metastases.
Area of Science:
- Radiation oncology
- Medical physics
Background:
- Helical tomotherapy is an advanced radiation therapy technique.
- Target precision is crucial for effective cancer treatment and minimizing side effects.
Observation:
- Variable fan-field width (dynamic jaws) is an upgrade to helical tomotherapy.
- This upgrade was observed to reduce the penumbra in the superior-inferior direction.
Findings:
- Dynamic jaws effectively decrease the penumbra, enhancing targeting accuracy.
- The technology shows potential for diverse dose prescriptions, including whole brain irradiation for brain metastases.
Implications:
- Improved treatment outcomes for various cancers, especially those near critical structures like the optical apparatus.
- Potential for more personalized and effective radiation therapy planning.
