Anatomy-Based Automated Planning Approach for Whole-Pelvic Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Using Volume Control
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By
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Chih-Yuan Lin
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An-Cheng Shiau
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Ti-Hao Wang
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Shih-Ming Hsu
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May 7, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Anatomy-Based Automated Planning Approach for Whole-Pelvic Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Using Volume Control
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Pelvic malignancies requiring whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) |
| Key Mechanisms | Anatomy-driven automated planning strategy incorporating volumetric overlap information |
| Target Population | Patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing WPRT |
| Care Setting | Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital |
Key Highlights
- VCAP achieved V95 coverage above 95% comparable to clinical planning.
- Significant reduction in rectal doses (V30 decreased by 24.6% compared to clinical planning).
- Improved bladder sparing in the 15–40 Gy range.
- Planning time reduced from 120 minutes to 21 minutes with VCAP.
- Consistent plan quality across the patient cohort.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Retrospective analysis of patients with pelvic malignancies.
Management
- Use of VCAP for automated VMAT planning to enhance OAR sparing.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Evaluate dosimetric endpoints including PTV coverage and OAR sparing.
Risks
- Consider potential toxicities to surrounding organs at risk (OARs) during WPRT.
Patient & Prescribing Data
584 patients with pelvic malignancies treated with WPRT.
Incorporation of volumetric overlap constraints improves planning efficiency and consistency.
Clinical Best Practices
- Adopt automated planning strategies to reduce inter-planner variability.
- Utilize anatomy-driven approaches for patient-specific optimization.
- Regularly evaluate and validate automated planning systems for broader clinical applications.
References
