A dosimetrically motivated pathfinding approach for non-isocentric dynamic trajectory radiotherapy

Abstract

Abstract Objective. Non-isocentric dynamic trajectory radiotherapy (DTRT) involves dynamic table translations in synchrony with intensity modulation and dynamic gantry, table, and/or collimator rotation. This work aims to develop and evaluate a novel dosimetrically motivated path determination technique for non-isocentric DTRT. Approach. The path determination considers all available beam directions, given on a user-specified grid of gantry angle, table angle, and longitudinal, vertical, and lateral table position. Additionally, the source-to-target distance of all beam directions can be extended by moving the table away from the gantry along the central beam axis to increase the collision-free space. The path determination uses a column generation algorithm to iteratively add beam directions to paths until a user-defined total path length is reached. A subsequent direct aperture optimization of the intensity modulation along the paths creates deliverable plans. Non-isocentric DTRT plans using the path determination and using a manual path setup were created for a craniospinal and a spinal irradiation case. Furthermore, VMAT, isocentric DTRT, and non-isocentric DTRT plans are created for a breast, head and neck (H&N), and esophagus case. Additionally, a HyperArc plan is created for the H&N case. The plans are compared in terms of the dosimetric treatment plan quality and estimated delivery time. Main results. For the craniospinal and spinal irradiation case, using path determination results in dose distributions with improved conformity but a slightly worse target homogeneity compared to manual path setup. The non-isocentric DTRT plans maintained target coverage while reducing the mean dose to organs-at-risk on average by 1.7 Gy (breast), 1.0 Gy (H&N), and 1.6 Gy (esophagus) compared to the VMAT plans and by 0.8 Gy (breast), 0.6 Gy (H&N), and 0.8 Gy (esophagus) compared to the isocentric DTRT plans. Significance. A general dosimetrically motivated path determination applicable to non-isocentric DTRT plans is successfully developed, further advancing the treatment planning for non-isocentric DTRT.