Date Approved

8-5-2021

Graduate Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Medical Dosimetry (M.S.)

Degree Program

Allied Health Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Azizur Molla

Academic Year

2020/2021

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction

Lung cancer is considered one of the most common cancers in the United States, with the second most common type of lung cancer located in the right lung24. Providing a more aggressive approach to treatments while meeting the needs of the patients would positively impact outcomes. Working in Radiation Oncology since 2013 as a radiation therapist and now a Medical Dosimetrist I seek to compare the efficacy of IMRT, VMAT and hybrid IMRT/VMAT techniques in the treatment of right lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the hybrid plan would be superior to IMRT and VMAT in total coverage of right lung cancer as well as delivering the lowest dose possible to critical structures like the heart, spinal cord, esophagus, brachial plexus, and normal lung volume.

Methods

The study is a retrospective dosimetric analysis of ten randomly selected patients from a midwestern hospital who have been previously treated for right lung cancer. For this study each patient had three plans created comparing IMRT, VMAT and a hybrid plan. Each plan went to a total dose of 6,600 cGy. Planning was done using Varian Eclipse treatment planning system version 13.7.14.

Results

The results indicated the IMRT plan was the better plan out of VMAT and the hybrid treatment plan. IMRT as well delivered the lowest dose to critical structures. Although there was a significance all plans were within tolerance according to the institutional guidelines followed by the NCCN guidelines version 3.2020 for non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Conclusion

IMRT proved to be the better plan overall. Although, there was no absolute dosimetry superiority when comparing to the critical structures for all three plans the plans could be chosen according to their dosimetry characteristics and which plan is beneficial for the patient.

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