Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for limited osteosclerotic myeloma

World J Radiol. 2013 Apr 28;5(4):173-7. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i4.173.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the feasibility of volumetric intensity-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) in patients with limited polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes syndrome.

Methods: A 70-year-old male with histologically confirmed osteosclerotic myeloma was treated in our department in July 2010 with VMAT. Fourty-six Gray in 23 fractions were given on three bone lesions. Doses delivered to target volume and critical organs were compared with a tridimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-RT) plan. Treatment was well tolerated without any side effects.

Results: VMAT improved dose homogeneity within the target volume, as compared to 3D-RT (standard deviations: 2.9 Gy and 1.6 Gy for 3D and VMAT, respectively). VMAT resulted in a better sparing of critical organs. Dose delivered to 20% of organ volume (D20) was reduced from 22 Gy (3D-RT) to 15 Gy (VMAT) for small bowel, from 24 Gy (3D-RT) to 17 Gy (VMAT) for bladder and from 47 Gy (3D-RT) to 3 Gy (VMAT) for spinal cord. Volumes of critical organs that received at least 20 Gy (V20) were decreased by the use of VMAT, as compared to 3D-RT (V20 bladder: 10% vs 99%; V20 small bowel: 6% vs 21%). One year after treatment completion, no tumor progression has been reported.

Conclusion: VMAT improved dose distribution as compared to 3D-RT for limited osteosclerotic myeloma, with better saving of critical organs.

Keywords: Conformal radiotherapy; Critical organs; Osteosclerotic myeloma; Polyneuropathy organomegaly endocrinopathy monoclonal gammopathy and skin change syndrome; Volumetric intensity-modulated arc radiotherapy.