Efficacy of the collapsed cone algorithm calculated radiotherapy plans in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT): A comparative dosimetric study in tumors of thorax

Abstract

Aim: In this study, efficacy of collapsed cone algorithm-generated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were evaluated for treatment of thoracic esophageal cancer.

Materials and methods: Ten previously treated patients with VMAT were considered for evaluation. The planning parameters were evaluated in terms of max dose, mean dose, Homogeneity Index, Conformity Index for planning target volume, and organ at risk doses. Total monitor unit, treatment time, and gamma passing index were also reported.

Results: The target dose coverage of the VMAT and IMRT plans achieved the clinical dosimetric criteria for all ten patients in the evaluation. Under the condition of equivalent target dose distribution, the VMAT plan's Conformity Index, monitor unit, treatment time, and gamma passing index rate were superior than in the IMRT plan, and the result was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Collapsed cone algorithm-based VMAT can have a more effective and better approach for esophageal cancer than IMRT.