The atlas of complication incidence: a proposal for a new standard for reporting the results of radiotherapy protocols

Semin Radiat Oncol. 2006 Oct;16(4):260-8. doi: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2006.04.009.

Abstract

We present a new method of reporting the results of radiotherapy protocols. The dose-volume atlas of complication incidence is a comprehensive and unbiased summary of the dose-volume exposures and complications occurring in patients after treatment. This new tool provides clear and systematic information about the safety of regions of dose-volume exposure previously treated that can be used when considering new treatments. Actuarial and model-dependent versions of the atlas are described. By using the raw data in the appropriate forms of the atlas, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazards analysis can be performed, allowing for the independent calculation of dose-volume response. The data required are simple enough that provided compatible definitions of dose, volume, and complications are used, atlases from different protocols are potentially additive, facilitating the meta-analysis of inter-interinstitutional data. If this method were adopted as a standard for reporting the outcome of treatment protocols, a potentially synergistic increase in the utility of each protocol could result.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Protocols
  • Digestive System / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Urogenital System / radiation effects