Influence of beam energy on prostate cancer treatment dosimetry using VMAT

Abstract

In the present paper the dependence of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) plans on energy in prostate cancer treatment is reported. Data corresponding to eleven patients with similar prognosis were considered. For each patient two different treatment plans were evaluated. Both plans were almost identical regarding all but energy (6 MV and 15 MV).

A dosimetric study of the treatment plans was carried out based on a few indexes defined throughout the text. Such indexes were applied to every single PTV and nearby organ at risk (OAR) considered.

The analysis carried out states that the dependence on beam energy of VMAT treatment plans is quite low. Indexes related to different energy plans showed no significant statistical variation when compared.

The last section briefly mentions the advantages of using 6 MV machines regarding radiation protection issues as occupational dose received by stuff or radiotherapy facility shielding.