Standard linear plans in single channel high dose rate brachytherapy: a dosimetric analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Brachytherapy

Background:

• Intraluminal High Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is a common cancer treatment modality.
• Treatment planning complexity can arise in curved anatomical geometries.
• Standardization of planning aims to improve treatment delivery efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the 3-D dose distribution using standard linear plans in curved geometries for HDR brachytherapy.
• To compare the target perimeter dose delivered by standard linear plans versus individually optimized plans.

Main Methods:

• Utilized optimized dwell times derived from a straight line within curved geometries.
• Investigated 3-D dose distributions for standard linear plans in various curved geometries.
• Compared delivered dose to the target volume perimeter between standard linear and individually optimized plans.

Main Results:

• Standard linear plans were found to be acceptable for HDR intraluminal brachytherapy in curved geometries.
• Dose delivered to the target volume perimeter using standard linear plans was comparable to individually optimized plans.
• The findings support the use of standardized planning for expediency in HDR brachytherapy.

Conclusions:

• Standard linear plans are a viable and acceptable option for HDR intraluminal brachytherapy in curved geometries.
• This standardization simplifies treatment planning and delivery while maintaining adequate target coverage.
• The results align with current practices for dose and volume specification in HDR brachytherapy.