Implementation and evaluation of an iterative-based algorithm for automatic beam angle optimization in breast cancer...

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics
• Cancer Treatment

Background:

• A novel beam angle optimization (BAO) algorithm was developed to assess its clinical feasibility.
• The study investigated the impact of varying BAO constraints on breast cancer radiotherapy plans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical feasibility of the BAO algorithm.
• To analyze how different BAO constraints affect breast cancer treatment plans.

Main Methods:

• Part 1: Compared BAO plans with manual plans in 20 patients using dosimetric indices.
• Part 2: Evaluated three cardiac constraints (1, 3, 5 Gy mean heart dose) in 15 patients with left breast cancer under identical IMRT conditions.

Main Results:

• BAO plans showed comparable dosimetric indices to manual plans, with slightly better ipsilateral lung V5.
• Stricter cardiac constraints in BAO led to more perpendicular beams but did not significantly alter mean heart dose.
• Stricter heart constraints influenced organ-at-risk doses, decreasing right lung dose with tighter constraints.

Conclusions:

• The BAO algorithm can generate high-quality radiotherapy plans comparable to manual planning.
• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) constraints are primary determinants of final plan dose.
• Adjusting BAO constraints provides additional planning flexibility, influencing dose trade-offs among organs.