Partial-volume segmentation for dose optimization in whole-breast radiotherapy: a comparative dosimetric and clinical analysis

Abstract

Purpose: : To analyze the dosimetric and clinical benefit of a forward planned technique to optimize dose distribution in whole-breast irradation (WBI) using additional partial-volume segments (PVSeg).

Patients and methods: : In two separate treatment periods, 265 breast cancer patients received tangential-field WBI and were retrospectively analyzed. Between 02/2004 and 03/2006, 96 patients were treated with one to two additional low-weighted PVSeg to reduce dose peaks within the target volume. 169 patients treated between 01/2000 and 12/2001 before implementation of this PVSeg technique served as comparison group. Total dose was 50-50.4 Gy (single dose, 1.8-2 Gy). The planning target volume (PTV) receiving at least 95%, 105% and 110% of the reference dose (V(95-110%)) and frequency of moist skin desquamation during radiotherapy were compared uni- and multivariately with patient- and treatment-related variables.

Results: : The mean PTV was 1,144 ml (range, 235-2,365 ml). Moist skin desquamations developed in 16 patients (17%) with PVSeg compared to 30 patients (18%) without PVSeg (p = 0.482). In breast volumes > 1,100 ml, the corresponding figures were 19% versus 29% (p = 0.133). V(105%) was significantly reduced by the use of PVSeg (82 +/- 51 ml vs. 143 +/- 129 ml; p < 0.0001). In univariate analysis, the following variables had significant influence on the development of moist skin desquamation: V(95%) (p < 0.0001), V(105%) (p < 0.001), V(110%) (p = 0.012) adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.02), and single dose (p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, only V(95%) (p = 0.002) remained significant.

Conclusion: : The use of PVSeg in WBI reduced dose peaks within the PTV while breast volumes > 1,100 ml benefited most. V(95%) was strongly correlated to the risk of developing moist skin desquamations.