ABSTRACT
Objective@#To compare the dosimetric parameters of target volumes and organs at risk between volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for left sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery by a meta-analysis.@*Methods@#Literature search was performed to include related studies to analyze the dosimetric parameters of target volumes and organs at risk.@*Results@#A total of 11 studies involving 154 patients were included in meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in Dmean, HI of PTV-Whole breast and PTV-Boost. Comparing to IMRT, VMAT increased the conformity index (CI) of PTV-Whole breast (P=0.000) and PTV-Boost (P=0.002). When the mean volume of target volumes was≤634 cm3, there were no significant differences in Dmean, V5, V20 of the heart and left sided lung, V30 of the heart, Dmean of the right sided lung and breast between VMAT and IMRT.When the mean volume of target volumes was>634 cm3, the Dmean(P=0.037), V5(P=0.005) and V20(P=0.030) of the heart in IMRT was lower than VMAT, but the V30(P=0.001) of heart in VMAT was lower than IMRT.IMRT showed significantly lower Dmean(P=0.013), V5(P=0.000), V20(P=0.000) of the left sided lung, and Dmean(P=0.001) of the right sided lung than VMAT.There were no significant differences in Dmean of the right sided breast.@*Conclusions@#There were no significant differences in dosimetric parameters of target volumes between VMAT and IMRT.When the mean volume of target volumes was≤634 cm3, there were no significant differences in dosimetric parameters of organs at risk. When the mean volume of target volumes was>634 cm3, IMRT has some advantages in protection of the heart and lung.