CT based automatic clinical target volume delineation using a dense-fully connected convolution network for cervical Cancer radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: It is very important to accurately delineate the CTV on the patient's three-dimensional CT image in the radiotherapy process. Limited to the scarcity of clinical samples and the difficulty of automatic delineation, the research of automatic delineation of cervical cancer CTV based on CT images for new patients is slow. This study aimed to assess the value of Dense-Fully Connected Convolution Network (Dense V-Net) in predicting Clinical Target Volume (CTV) pre-delineation in cervical cancer patients for radiotherapy. METHODS: In this study, we used Dense V-Net, a dense and fully connected convolutional network with suitable feature learning in small samples to automatically pre-delineate the CTV of cervical cancer patients based on computed tomography (CT) images and then we assessed the outcome. The CT data of 133 patients with stage IB and IIA postoperative cervical cancer with a comparable delineation scope was enrolled in this study. One hundred and thirteen patients were randomly designated as the training set to adjust the model parameters. Twenty cases were used as the test set to assess the network performance. The 8 most representative parameters were also used to assess the pre-sketching accuracy from 3 aspects: sketching similarity, sketching offset, and sketching volume difference. RESULTS: The results presented that the DSC, DC/mm, HD/cm, MAD/mm, ∆V, SI, IncI and JD of CTV were 0.82 ± 0.03, 4.28 ± 2.35, 1.86 ± 0.48, 2.52 ± 0.40, 0.09 ± 0.05, 0.84 ± 0.04, 0.80 ± 0.05, and 0.30 ± 0.04, respectively, and the results were greater than those with a single network. CONCLUSIONS: Dense V-Net can correctly predict CTV pre-delineation of cervical cancer patients and can be applied in clinical practice after completing simple modifications.

[Automated Pre-delineation of CTV in Patients with Cervical Cancer Using Dense V-Net].

We use a dense and fully connected convolutional network with good feature learning in small samples, to automatically pre-deline CTV of cervical cancer patients based on CT images and evaluate the effect. The CT data of stage IB and IIA postoperative cervical cancer with similar delineation scope were selected to be used to evaluate the pre-sketching accuracy from three aspects:sketching similarity, sketching offset and sketching volume difference. It has been proved that the 8 most representative parameters are superior to those with single network and reported internationally before. Dense V-Net can accurately predict CTV pre-delineation of cervical cancer patients, which can be used clinically after simple modification by doctors.

GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism might be associated with the risk of radiation pneumonitis among lung cancer patients in Chinese population: A prospective study.

Background: Growing data suggest that DNA damage repair and detoxification pathways play crucial roles in radiation-induced toxicities. To determine whether common functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes from these pathways can be used as predictors of radiation pneumonitis (RP), we conducted a prospective study to evaluate the associations between functional SNPs and risk of RP. Methods: We recruited a total of 149 lung cancer patients who had received intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). GSTP1 and XRCC1 were genotyped using the SurPlexTM-xTAG method in all patients. RP events were prospectively scored using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 4.0. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the cumulative probability of RP of grade ≥ 2. Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to identify clinical variables and SNPs associated with risk of RP grade ≥ 2, using univariate and multivariate analysis, respectively. Results: With a median follow-up of 9 months, the incidence of RP of grade ≥ 2 was 38.3%. A predicting role in RP was observed for the GSTP1 SNP (adjusted hazard ratio 3.543; 95% CI 1.770-7.092; adjusted P< 0.001 for the Ile/Val and Val/Val genotypes versus Ile/Ile genotype). Whereas, we found that patients with XRCC1 399Arg/Gln and Gln/Gln genotypes had a lower risk of RP compares with those carrying Arg/Arg genotype (adjusted HR 0.653; 95% CI 0.342-1.245), but with no statistical significance observed (adjusted P = 0.195). Conclusions: Our results suggested a novel association between GSTP1 SNP 105Ile/Val and risk of RP development, which suggests the potential use of this genetic polymorphism as a predictor of RP. In addition, genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 399Arg/Gln may also be associated with RP.

Association of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with the risk of radiation pneumonitis in lung cancer patients.

A total of 149 lung cancer patients were recruited to receive intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The association of developing radiation pneumonitis (RP) with genetic polymorphism was evaluated. The risks of four polymorphic sites in three DNA repair related genes (ERCC1, rs116615:T354C and rs3212986:C1516A; ERCC2, rs13181:A2251C; XRCC1, rs25487:A1196G) for developing grade ≥ 2 RP were assessed respectively. It was observed that ERCC1 T354C SNP had a significant effect on the development of grade ≥ 2 RP (CT/TT vs. CC, adjusted HR = 0.517, 95% CI, 0.285-0.939; adjusted P = 0.030). It is the first time demonstrating that CT/TT genotype of ERCC1 354 was significantly associated with lower RP risk after radio therapy.

[Accuracy of Dose Calculation with CBCT Images under Different Scanning Conditions].

The treatment plans were designed based on planning CT of Catphan phantom's homogenic and heterogenetical module, respectively. With the OBI system, Catphan phantom was scanned under different scanning conditions. The dose was recalculated by applying treatment plans based on planning CT to the CBCT images with its individual hounsfield unit-electron density calibration curve. The dose distributions were compared with those of the original plan, the results of HI showed a good agreement. CIs in the homogenic module were superior to those in the heterogenetical one. There is a good dose distribution for CBCT images under different scanning conditions. It is helpful for CBCT images directly used for dose re-calculation in adaptive radiation therapy (ART).

Dosimetric evaluation of 4 different treatment modalities for curative-intent stereotactic body radiation therapy for isolated thoracic spinal metastases.

To investigate the dosimetric characteristics of 4 SBRT-capable dose delivery systems, CyberKnife (CK), Helical TomoTherapy (HT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) by Varian RapidArc (RA), and segmental step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) by Elekta, on isolated thoracic spinal lesions. CK, HT, RA, and IMRT planning were performed simultaneously for 10 randomly selected patients with 6 body types and 6 body + pedicle types with isolated thoracic lesions. The prescription was set with curative intent and dose of either 33Gy in 3 fractions (3F) or 40Gy in 5F to cover at least 90% of the planning target volume (PTV), correspondingly. Different dosimetric indices, beam-on time, and monitor units (MUs) were evaluated to compare the advantages/disadvantages of each delivery modality. In ensuring the dose-volume constraints for cord and esophagus of the premise, CK, HT, and RA all achieved a sharp conformity index (CI) and a small penumbra volume compared to IMRT. RA achieved a CI comparable to those from CK, HT, and IMRT. CK had a heterogeneous dose distribution in the target as its radiosurgical nature with less dose uniformity inside the target. CK had the longest beam-on time and the largest MUs, followed by HT and RA. IMRT presented the shortest beam-on time and the least MUs delivery. For the body-type lesions, CK, HT, and RA satisfied the target coverage criterion in 6 cases, but the criterion was satisfied in only 3 (50%) cases with the IMRT technique. For the body + pedicle-type lesions, HT satisfied the criterion of the target coverage of ≥90% in 4 of the 6 cases, and reached a target coverage of 89.0% in another case. However, the criterion of the target coverage of ≥90% was reached in 2 cases by CK and RA, and only in 1 case by IMRT. For curative-intent SBRT of isolated thoracic spinal lesions, RA is the first choice for the body-type lesions owing to its delivery efficiency (time); the second choice is CK or HT; HT is the preferential choice for the body + pedicle-type lesions. This study suggests further clinical investigations with longer follow-up for these studied cases.

Dose Evaluation of Fractionated Schema and Distance From Tumor to Spinal Cord for Spinal SBRT with Simultaneous Integrated Boost: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND This study investigated and quantified the dosimetric impact of the distance from the tumor to the spinal cord and fractionation schemes for patients who received stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and hypofractionated simultaneous integrated boost (HF-SIB). MATERIAL AND METHODS Six modified planning target volumes (PTVs) for 5 patients with spinal metastases were created by artificial uniform extension in the region of PTV adjacent spinal cord with a specified minimum tumor to cord distance (0-5 mm). The prescription dose (biologic equivalent dose, BED) was 70 Gy in different fractionation schemes (1, 3, 5, and 10 fractions). For PTV V100, Dmin, D98, D95, and D1, spinal cord dose, conformity index (CI), V30 were measured and compared. RESULTS PTV-to-cord distance influenced PTV V100, Dmin, D98, and D95, and fractionation schemes influenced Dmin and D98, with a significant difference. Distances of ≥2 mm, ≥1 mm, ≥1 mm, and ≥0 mm from PTV to spinal cord meet dose requirements in 1, 3, 5, and 10 fractionations, respectively. Spinal cord dose, CI, and V30 were not impacted by PTV-to-cord distance and fractionation schemes. CONCLUSIONS Target volume coverage, Dmin, D98, and D95 were directly correlated with distance from the spinal cord for spine SBRT and HF-SIB. Based on our study, ≥2 mm, ≥1 mm, ≥1 mm, and ≥0 mm distance from PTV to spinal cord meets dose requirements in 1, 3, 5 and 10 fractionations, respectively.

[Evaluation of Cone Beam CT Image Quality and Analysis of Its Long-term Stability on HU Values under Different Conditions].

Objective: To evaluate the cone beam CT (CBCT) image quality and its long-term stability for HUs under different scanning conditions. Methods: With the OBI system, Catphan 504 phantom using the different modes was scanned through one year. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the CBCT images. Results: The results of contrast resolution under different scanning conditions met the requirements of acceptance test procedure. Spatial contrast resolution(≥5 lp/cm) of half-fan scanning conditions were inferior to those (≥7 lp/cm) of ful-fan mode. The accuracies of spatial linear distance and angle were within±1%. HUs in air density plug were constant, but HUs of other plugs with different conditions had the signifi cant difference (F=660.84,P=0). Under different conditions in a year, the mean HUs showed a good agreement. Conclusions: HUs of CBCT image under different scanning conditions exist a little difference, but there is a good consistency for the long term stability analysis. It is helpful for CBCT images directly used for dose re-calculation in adaptive radiation therapy (ART).

[Evaluation of the EDOSE for IMRT Delivery Quality Assurance].

Objective: Evaluation of intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) delivery quality assurance(DQA) using EDOSE software based on accelerator electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Methods: Analysed the dose response uniformity correction of EPID imaging plate in different fields and the gamma pass rates about the fields; And compared the calculated parameters of the EDOSE and the Pinnacle planning station. Results: The uniformities on the homogeneous region of thefi elds are good after who corrected by EDOSE. The gamma(γ, 3mm/3%) pass rates are in the ideal range. The volume of the organs at risk(OAR) have no statistical signifi cance except the right lung; A part of the parameters have statistical signifi cance. Conclusions: The results of the calculation and analysis of EDOSE has a high agreement with the planning system.

[RapidArc Delivery Performance Using EDR2 Film and EPID Measurement].

This study describes the development and implementation of EDR2 film and electronic portal imaging device (EPID) during RapidArc QA. The tests were designed to evaluate RapidArc performance using EDR2 film and EPID tools. The accuracy of MLC position during gantry rotation, the ability to vary and control the dose-rate and gantry speed, the synchronization of variable MLC speed and dose-rate were examined. The picket fence test of MLC in stationary gantry and RapidArc modes were implemented. The film and EPID showed a good consistency. During the evaluation of MLC speed, gantry speed and dose-rates, the dose of different parts in a field showed a good agreement, with the mean deviation of 0.24%vs 0.19%. The analysis of dose value was less than 2%. This study demonstrated that EDR2 film and EPID system can be used as reliable and efficient quality assurance tools for RapidArc delivery performance. Of course, the use of VMAT QA with EPID increases the efficiency of routine QA.

[Results of Five-year Quality Control Program and the Change of QA Mode for Helical Tomotherapy Machine].

Helical tomotherapy (HT), as a new IMRT technology, utilizes a fan beam of radiation for treatment. It combines the main characteristics of a modern CT scanner and a linear accelerator to achieve the function of helical tomotherapy. Due to the complexity of the system with a highly integrated and automated features, monitoring its operation, continuing to improve the stability and reliability, and simplifying its quality control procedures has become an important part of quality assurance (QA) for HT. Based on the results of afi ve-year quality control (QC) program, and the initial application of new QA equipment, this study wil summarize the standardization mode of its QA and explore the changes of QA mode.

[The Dose Effect of Isocenter Selection during IMRT Dose Verification with the 2D Chamber Array].

To investigate the dose effect of isocenter difference during IMRT dose verification with the 2D chamber array. The samples collected from 10 patients were respectively designed for IMRT plans, the isocenter of which was independently defined as P(o), P(x) and P(y). P(o) was fixed on the target center and the other points shifted 8cm from the target center in the orientation of x/y. The PTW729 was used for 2D dose verification in the 3 groups which beams of plans were set to 0 degrees. The γ-analysis passing rates for the whole plan and each beam were gotten using the different standards in the 3 groups, The results showed the mean passing rate of γ-analysis was highest in the P(o) group, and the mean passing rate of the whole plan was better than that of each beam. In addition, it became worse with the increase of dose leakage between the leaves in P(y) group. Therefore, the determination of isocenter has a visible effect for IMRT dose verification of the 2D chamber array, The isocenter of the planning design should be close to the geometric center of target.

[Patient-specific dose verification method using ArcCHECK for total marrow irradiation with intensity modulated arc therapy].

To investigate the patient-specific dose verification method using ArcCHECK for total marrow irradiation (TMI) with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Helical Tomotherapy (HT). The kVCT images collected from 8 patients were respectively designed for RapidArc and Tomotherapy plans in total marrow irradiation. ArcCHECK was used for dose verification for the head-neck, chest-abdomen and pelvic. The merging function of ArcCHECK was used in VMAT and the method of double plans (reference and delivery plans) were used in HT. The γ-analysis passing rates for the head-neck, chest-abdomen, pelvic were 98.9% ± 1.9%, 98.4% ± 1.8%, 97.4% ± 2.1% for VMAT plans and 94.3% ± 1.5%, 96.5 ± 1.2%, 94.1% ± 1.9% for HT plans. The results show that using the merging function of ArcCHECK can achieve the dose verification well for VMAT plans with TMI. The method of double plans was done for the dose verification of HT plans with TMI as well as the plans with the targets keeping away from the set-up center.