Background/aim: We aimed to investigate the dosimetric effects of a spacer placed between the pancreas and surrounding gastrointestinal structures in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning to provide more effective radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).
Patients and methods: Treatment planning was performed for six patients with LAPC based on computed tomography images without spacers and with 5-mm or 10-mm spacers virtually inserted under the supervision of a hepatobiliary pancreatic surgeon. The prescription dose was 63 Gy in 28 fractions.
Results: With the exception of one case of pancreatic head cancer, planning target volume receiving ≥95% of the prescribed dose (PTV V95) was achieved by 90% or more by inserting a spacer, and by 95% or more in all 3 cases of pancreatic body and tail cancer by inserting a 10-mm spacer.
Conclusion: IMRT with appropriate spacer placement may help provide high-dose treatment for LAPC and improve associated patient outcomes.
Keywords: Pancreatic cancer; intensity-modulated radiation therapy; planning study; spacer.
Copyright© 2021, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.