Adherence to ICRU-83 reporting recommendations is inadequate in prostate dosimetry studies

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate if the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) 83 recommendations for reporting dosimetric endpoints are followed in published prostate studies using modulated techniques.

Methods and materials: Prostate dosimetry studies using inverse planning techniques were identified through a search of PubMed and EMBASE databases. These studies were analyzed to determine if the endpoints reported followed the recommendations outlined in ICRU-83. A data collection form was completed and any alternative methods of reporting were recorded. Results were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and Fisher exact tests.

Results: The ICRU-83 recommendations were not followed in the majority of studies. For the planning target volume, the dose received by 2% of the volume, the dose received by 98% of the volume, and the dose received by 50% of the volume were reported in 22.9%, 18.8%, and 8.3% of studies, respectively. The adherence to reporting for the clinical target volume was below 5% for all specifications. The mean dose, the dose received by a specified volume, and dose received by 2% of the volume for organs at risk were reported in 47.1%, 83.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. The homogeneity index was used in 14.6% of studies. Conformity was discussed in 45.8% of studies. Confidence intervals were included in 37.5% of studies.

Conclusions: The reporting recommendations of ICRU-83 were not adhered to in the majority of the dosimetry studies reviewed, highlighting the need for greater diligence for authors and reviewers when publishing planning outcomes for modulated techniques.