PET-guided IMRT for cervical carcinoma with positive para-aortic lymph nodes - A dose-escalation treatment planning study

Sasa Mutic, Robert S. Malyapa, Perry W. Grigsby, Farrokh Dehdashti, Tom R. Miller, Imran Zoberi, Walter R. Bosch, Jacqueline Esthappan, Daniel A. Low

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

112 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate a treatment planning method for dose escalation to the para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) based on positron emission tomography (PET) with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical cancer patients with PALN involvement. One goal of this process was not to modify the traditional treatment of the pelvic region. Methods and Materials: PET images for 4 cervical cancer patents with PALN involvement were registered with their corresponding CT scans. Positive PALNs were identified on PET images, and the surrounding critical structures were delineated on CT images. The treatment machine central axis (CAX) was placed at the level of the L4-L5 vertebral body interspace. There were two distinct treatment regions: the para-aortic bed superior to the CAX and the whole pelvis region inferior to the CAX. IMRT was used for treatment planning of PALN bed irradiation. The positive PALNs identified on PET images were defined as the gross target volume, and the para-aortic bed was defined as the clinical target volume. The radiation doses were escalated from the conventional 45 Gy to 59.4 Gy for the gross target volume and 50.4 Gy for the clinical target volume in 33 fractions. The pelvis area was treated with conventional treatment methods, AP-PA beams to 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions with a brachytherapy implant boost. The placement of the CAX allowed the two treatment regions to be abutted using the treatment machine's independent jaws. Results: Dose escalation to positive PALNs, as identified on PET images, and the PALN bed is feasible with IMRT. Treatment plans for 4 patients revealed that escalated prescription doses could be delivered to target volumes while maintaining acceptable doses to the surrounding critical structures. Strategic placement of the treatment isocenter allows the IMRT region (PALN bed) and whole pelvis fields to be treated with a relatively uniform dose distribution in the abutment region. Conclusion: This study indicates that PET-guided IMRT could be used in a clinical trial in an attempt to escalate doses delivered to patients with cervical cancer who have positive PALNs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)28-35
Number of pages8
JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2003

Keywords

  • Cervical cancer
  • Intensity-modulated radiotherapy
  • Para-aortic lymph nodes
  • Positron emission tomography

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'PET-guided IMRT for cervical carcinoma with positive para-aortic lymph nodes - A dose-escalation treatment planning study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this