Reirradiation for Recurrent Scalp Angiosarcoma: Dosimetric Advantage of PBT over VMAT and EBT

Abstract

Purpose: Reirradiation in the scalp area can be challenging given the proximity to organs at risk (OARs), such as the eye and brain. Our aim is to evaluate the dosimetric differences of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and electron beam therapy (EBT) compared with 3-dimensional proton beam therapy (PBT).

Patients and methods: We evaluated a patient with recurrent angiosarcoma of the left temporal scalp after prior surgical resections and radiation therapy to 60 Gy in 30 fractions who needed reirradiation. We generated VMAT, EBT, and PBT plans using the Pinnacle Treatment Planning System (TPS). Both VMAT and EBT plans used a skin bolus, whereas no bolus was used for the proton plan. Doses to the OARs, including cochlea, eyes, lens, lacrimal glands, optic nerves, optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and underlying brain, were compared.

Results: The reirradiation treatment dose was 60 Gy(RBE). Target volume coverage was comparable in all plans. Compared with VMAT and EBT, the PBT plan showed reductions in mean and maximum doses to all OARs. Without the use of protons, several OARs would have exceeded dose tolerance utilizing VMAT or electrons. Dose reduction of up to 100% was achieved for central and contralateral OARs.

Conclusion: Compared with VMAT and EBT, PBT resulted in dose reductions to all OARs, while maintaining excellent target coverage. PBT showed a significant advantage in treating superficially located skin cancers, such as angiosarcoma, without the need for a bolus. PBT can be considered in the upfront treatment and certainly in the reirradiation setting.

Keywords: Bragg peak; angiosarcoma; organ at risk prevention; periorbital tumors; proton beam therapy.

Figure.

Comparison of proton versus electron and volumetric modulated arc therapy reirradiation plans on computed tomography.