Comparative analysis of radiotherapy modalities and techniques for left breast cancer: dose coverage, setup accuracy,...

To compare dosimetric outcomes between Free Breath (FB) and Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) across different radiotherapy modalities, establish patient selection criteria for DIBH, and optimizing the setup margin (SM) in left breast cancer treatment. 26 patients with left breast cancer were studied at CRO, Aviano in Italy. FB and DIBH simulations were done using CT with a real-time position management system. 3DCRT and IMRT plans were prepared for both simulations of each patient. The setup margin was measured by Van Herk's formula and compared with residual uncertainties. The dose coverage of PTV and spare OARs were better with DIBH. The distance of more than 1.6 cm between (Left Anterior Descending artery) LAD and PTV was no significantly different for FB and DIBH. The setup margin by Van Herk's formula was calculated as 0.9 cm for DIBH_IMRT. The average duration of DIBH per respiration was 19 ± 4 s. So, holding one breath at least 19 s would be the criteria for choosing a patient to apply DIBH. DIBH enhances PTV dose coverage and OAR sparing in both 3DCRT and IMRT. When the distance between the LAD and PTV exceeds 1.6 cm, the application of DIBH depends on the availability of a LINAC with RPM and the patient's breathholding ability.