Optimal field-splitting algorithm in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Evaluations using head-and-neck and female pelvic IMRT cases

Xin Dou; Yusung Kim; John E Bayouth; John M Buatti; Xiaodong Wu

doi:10.1016/j.meddos.2012.05.001

Back

Optimal field-splitting algorithm in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Evaluations using head-and-neck and female pelvic IMRT cases

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Optimal field-splitting algorithm in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Evaluations using head-and-neck and female pelvic IMRT cases

Xin Dou, Yusung Kim, John E Bayouth, John M Buatti and Xiaodong Wu

Medical dosimetry : official journal of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, Vol.38(1), pp.12-17

2013

DOI: 10.1016/j.meddos.2012.05.001

PMCID: PMC3997753

PMID: 22835649

View Online

Abstract

To develop an optimal field-splitting algorithm of minimal complexity and verify the algorithm using head-and-neck (H&N) and female pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) cases. An optimal field-splitting algorithm was developed in which a large intensity map (IM) was split into multiple sub-IMs (≥2). The algorithm reduced the total complexity by minimizing the monitor units (MU) delivered and segment number of each sub-IM. The algorithm was verified through comparison studies with the algorithm as used in a commercial treatment planning system. Seven IMRT, H&N, and female pelvic cancer cases (54 IMs) were analyzed by MU, segment numbers, and dose distributions. The optimal field-splitting algorithm was found to reduce both total MU and the total number of segments. We found on average a 7.9 ± 11.8% and 9.6 ± 18.2% reduction in MU and segment numbers for H&N IMRT cases with an 11.9 ± 17.4% and 11.1 ± 13.7% reduction for female pelvic cases. The overall percent (absolute) reduction in the numbers of MU and segments were found to be on average −9.7 ± 14.6% (−15 ± 25 MU) and −10.3 ± 16.3% (−3 ± 5), respectively. In addition, all dose distributions from the optimal field-splitting method showed improved dose distributions. The optimal field-splitting algorithm shows considerable improvements in both total MU and total segment number. The algorithm is expected to be beneficial for the radiotherapy treatment of large-field IMRT.

Large-field IMRT

Intensity map

Field-splitting algorithm

Multileaf collimator (MLC)

Details

Title: Subtitle: Optimal field-splitting algorithm in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: Evaluations using head-and-neck and female pelvic IMRT cases
Creators: Xin Dou - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Yusung Kim - Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
John E Bayouth - Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
John M Buatti - Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Xiaodong Wu - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Medical dosimetry : official journal of the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, Vol.38(1), pp.12-17
DOI: 10.1016/j.meddos.2012.05.001
PMID: 22835649
PMCID: PMC3997753
NLM abbreviation: Med Dosim
ISSN: 0958-3947
eISSN: 1873-4022
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Date published: 2013
Academic Unit: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Radiation Oncology; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984040466102771

Metrics

25 Record Views