Review of IMRT and VMAT Planning Flashcards
Definition of IMRT
Traditional IMRT is delivered using static segments (e.g., step and shoot) or dynamic segments (e.g., DMLC)
Definition of VMAT
A type of rotational IMRT where the MLC and gantry move while the radiation beam is on
IMRT Planning Concepts
- Modulates MLC to shape the 2D beam profile on a fixed angle beam
- Multiple Beams (non-opposing)
- Segments are used
- Beams can be different energies
VMAT Planning Concepts
- Modulates MLC’s, gantry speed and dose rate during beam on to shape 3D dose distribution
- Changing gantry speed and dose rate achieves variable MU per degree during delivery
- No. of arcs depend on complexity of plan
- Partial arcs, non-coplanar arcs can be used
3DCRT Planning Optimisation Strategies
- Altering collimator angles
- Altering wedges (EDW’s)
- Altering beam weights
- Altering margins
- Altering beam attributes if necessary
IMRT Planning Optimisation
- Automated, iterative optimisation techniques
- IMRT prescriptions define the constraints, priorities, and dose objectives for OAR’s and target volumes
What is a target objective?
- A desired treatment goal
What is a constraint and what is it’s purpose?
- A boundary/limit on the plan
- Constraints decrease the speed of the optimisation as they restrict solutions available to the optimisation algorithm
Example of Dose Shaping ROI’s
In IMRT/VMAT dose shaping ROIs are used (e.g. ROI Rings)
What is a conflict in planning and how can it be overcome?
- A conflict is occurs when a volume is under the influence of opposing constraints
- ROI Expansion/Contraction to remove overlaps between ROI’s
-> then allows for dose objectives to be applied to each
individual ROI
Primary Benefits of Inverse Planning - IMRT/VMAT (compared to Forward Planning)
- Better target coverage
- Better quality of life
- Greater OAR sparing
- Improvement in departmental workflow
Summary of ICRU 83
- Emphasis on statistics (homogeneity, conformity, biological metrics)
- No longer use ICRU ref point
- Prescription and reporting with dose volume specifications
ICRU 83 Dose Volume Histogram Metric Specifications
- Dmedian = D50%
- Prescriptive Value = e.g. D95%
- Near Minimum = D98%
- Near Maximum = D2%
What is a fluence map?
- Modulated beam’s radiation fluence as a visual illustration in beam’s eye view in colour or in grayscale
Abbreviations in VMAT Arc Direction
CCW = Counter-Clockwise
CW = Clockwise