Dosimetric Multicenter Planning Comparison Studies for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Methodology and Future...

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Radiotherapy Planning

Background:

• Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) requires precise treatment planning.
• Variability in SBRT planning across institutions can impact treatment outcomes.
• Standardization of planning is crucial for multi-center studies and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze published literature on SBRT multi-planning comparison studies.
• To investigate data sharing strategies and benchmark planning case implementation.
• To identify methods for improving skills and knowledge across participating centers.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 30 full-text articles.
• Categorization of studies into dosimetric variability, pre-clinical trial harmonization, and technical/methodological aspects.
• Critical analysis of methodologies, identifying commonalities, original elements, pros, and cons.

Main Results:

• Multi-center planning studies enhance treatment plan harmonization, compliance, and clinical practices.
• A crowd-based replanning approach effectively achieves harmonization and standardization.
• Key steps for transforming planning studies into accreditation methods were identified.

Conclusions:

• Well-defined prescriptions and requirements are essential for SBRT planning studies.
• Independent data analysis, quality scoring, feedback mechanisms, and web-based platforms are recommended.
• Standardization through collaborative replanning is a viable strategy for SBRT accreditation.