Introduction: Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with head
and neck cancer. During irradiation, some anatomical changes can occur leading to
underdose on the target and overdose on critical organs. In case of excessive deviations, it is
important to make repeated patient computed tomography (CT) simulations. Purpose: The
purpose of the diploma work was to analyze, how many repeated patient CT simulations for
head and neck cancer on linear accelerator Halcyon 3.0 (Varian) there were, why they
occurred, and in which fraction they appeared. We also wanted to research, whether we can
discover more repeated patient CT simulations using geometric verification with kilovolt
(kV) cone beam CT (CBCT) or with MV imaging verification using electronic portal
imaging (EPID) on Unique Performance Edition (Varian). Methods: Retrospective research
was conducted at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana at the Department of Teleradiotherapy.
We reviewed the data of patients with head and neck cancer from November 2020 till March
2022, who were irradiated on Halcyon 3.0 (Varian). Based on the data, we performed an
analysis of how many repeated patient CT simulations there were, why they occurred, and
in which fraction they appeared and made a comparison between two different geometric
verifications on each of the linear accelerators. Results: Of the 203 patients on Halcyon 3.0
(Varian), 30 patients (15%) underwent repeated patient CT simulations. The results showed
that the most common reason for that was weight loss during irradiation (30%). Repeated
patient CT simulations were most often performed before / after the 1st fraction and in the
2nd-5th fraction due to mismatch of the spine position, tumor reduction or the patient could
not stand the fixation mask. Discussion and conclusion: Anatomical changes, that occur
during irradiation of patients with head and neck cancer, most often happen due to weight
loss. To identify anatomical changes and ensure accurate irradiation, geometric verification
of kV CBCT has proven to be more effective compared to the MV EPID system. For further
research, it would be recommended to make a comparison between the two geometric
verifications for different types of cancers.
|