Intrafraction cone beam computed tomography verification of breath hold during liver stereotactic radiation therapy

Intrafraction imaging is an Elekta feature that enables cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition simultaneously with treatment arc delivery. It has facilitated the introduction of breath-hold (BH) gated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) by enabling visualisation of tumour and organs at risk during treatment. The aims of this study were to assess BH reproducibility and use intrafraction CBCT (IF-CBCT) to quantify any variation in diaphragm position (diaphragmatic feathering) during the multiple BHs performed during each arc.

IF-CBCTs for consecutive liver SBRT patients where BH was achieved using the Elekta Active Breathing Control (ABC) system were retrospectively evaluated. Average intrafraction couch shifts for deep-inspiration BH (DIBH) or end-expiration BH (EEBH) were recorded as an indication of reproducibility. Diaphragmatic feathering was quantified by measuring the difference between the most superior and inferior visible edges of the diaphragm on IF-CBCTs.

A total of 212 images from 30 patients were reviewed. Twenty-two (73.3%) patients were treated in EEBH. The mean intrafraction shift was similar between DIBH and EEBH groups with the largest mean shift of 0.22cm occurring in the superior-inferior direction. Mean diaphragmatic feathering was similar between the DIBH and EEBH groups, 0.09cm (0-0.44cm) and 0.14cm (0-1.89cm) respectively. A higher percentage of EEBH patients demonstrated no diaphragmatic feathering throughout treatment compared with DIBH patients (31.8% vs 25%).

The results of this study indicate that BH is reproducible in both DIBH and EEBH for liver SBRT treatment using the ABC system. Appropriate patient selection and BH coaching prior to CT simulation are critical to its success.