Computer-CT planning of the electron boost in definitive breast irradiation

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(91)90147-V· OSTI ID:5892638

Regine, W F; Ayyangar, K M; Komarnicky, L T; Bhandare, N; Mansfield, C M ^[1]

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1. Thomas Jefferson Univ. Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Treatment planning of the electron boost in breast irradiation at this institution is performed by using information from CT scanning and from surgical clips used to define the tumor bed. A refinement of this technique, taking into account the surgical axis of approach, using computer-CT planning is now implemented. The location of the scar and the clips are digitized using a computer to define the tumor bed dimensions. With 3-D computer software a line, simulating the surgical axis and the central ray of the electron beam, is drawn between the deepest clip and the surgical scar. This beam's eye view along the surgical axis is projected onto a screen as a starting point. Appropriate gantry angle, treatment table position, beam energy, and precise shaping of the electron field borders with a 2 cm margin around the clips and the scar are determined. Simulation films comparing clinically set-up fields and computer-CT planned fields were reviewed. In only 5 of 17 patients did the clinically set-up field have adequate inclusion of the tumor bed within the treatment volume. Computer-CT planned fields ensured adequate inclusion of the tumor bed in all, including the remaining 12. In 7 patients obvious increased sparing of normal breast tissue was seen with computer-CT planned fields. This technique enables accurate placement of a shaped electron field and further refinement of electron boost treatment planning. This is especially true in situations in which the tumor bed is located at a site distant from the lumpectomy scar rather than directly beneath it and in cases where the tumor bed lies deep within the breast.

• OSTI ID: 5892638
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Vol. 20:1; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
MAMMARY GLANDS
NEOPLASMS
RADIOTHERAPY
PLANNING
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
ELECTRONS
PATIENTS
BODY
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DISEASES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
GLANDS
LEPTONS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORGANS
RADIOLOGY
THERAPY
TOMOGRAPHY
550603* - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)
550602 - Medicine- External Radiation in Diagnostics- (1980-)