To develop and evaluate an anatomy-driven automated planning strategy (VCAP) for whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) that enhances target coverage and organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Key Findings:
VCAP achieved V95 above 95%, comparable to CP, AP, and RP, indicating effective target coverage.
Rectal doses reduced by 24.6% compared to CP and 12-13% compared to AP and RP, suggesting significant OAR sparing.
Bladder sparing improved in the 15–40 Gy range, enhancing patient safety.
Bowel bag exposure decreased with V30 reduced by over 20.5% compared to CP, indicating better dose management.
Mean planning time decreased from 120 minutes with CP to 21 minutes with VCAP, demonstrating improved efficiency.
Interpretation:
VCAP enhances OAR sparing while maintaining robust PTV coverage, suggesting improved planning efficiency and consistency in clinical practice, which may lead to better patient outcomes.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may limit generalizability; future studies should consider prospective designs.
Further validation needed to assess broader clinical applications and long-term outcomes.
Conclusion:
VCAP offers an efficient, anatomy-driven approach to VMAT planning for WPRT, potentially improving treatment planning processes and patient outcomes.
The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, reached an important milestone in the advancement of cancer care with the successful treatment of its first patient utilizing proton therapy, according to physicians at both the Institute and the hospital.
