Purpose: Online 1.5T MR imaging on the MR-linac gives better target visualization compared to CBCT and facilitates online adaptive treatment strategies including daily replanning. In this simulation study, the dosimetric impact of online replanning was investigated for SBRT of lymph node oligometastases as a method for correcting for inter-fraction anatomical changes.
Methods: Pre-treatment plans were created for 17 pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, with 3 and 8 mm PTV margins reflecting our clinical practice for lymph nodes with good and poor visibility on CBCT. The dose-volume parameters of the pre-treatment plans were evaluated on daily anatomy as visible on the repeated MRIs and compared to online replanning.
Results: With online MRI-based replanning significant dosimetric improvements are obtained for the rectum, bladder, bowel and sigmoid without compromising the target dose. The amount of unintended violations of the dose constraints for target and surrounding organs could be reduced by 75% for 8 mm and 66% for 3 mm PTV margins.
Conclusion: The use of online replanning based on the actual anatomy as seen on repeated MRI compared to online position correction for lymph node oligometastases SBRT gives beneficial dosimetric outcomes and reduces the amount of unplanned violations of dose constraints.