Clinical application of real-time tumor-tracking for stereotactic volumetric modulated arc therapy for liver tumors

Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2024 Aug 5:31:100623. doi: 10.1016/j.phro.2024.100623. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Real-time tumor-tracking volumetric modulated arc therapy (RT-VMAT) enabling beam-gating based on continuous X-ray tracking of the three-dimensional position of internal markers is relevant for moving tumors. Dose-volume characteristics and treatment time were evaluated in ten consecutive patients who underwent liver stereotactic body radiation therapy with RT-VMAT. Target dose conformity and sparing of the stomach and the intestine were improved comparing RT-VMAT with RT-3D conformal radiotherapy. The mean treatment time for each fraction was less than 10 min. RT-VMAT could be effective, especially for targets located adjacent to organs at risk.

Keywords: Internal marker; Motion management; Respiratory gating; SBRT; VMAT.