Determining the library size for the optimal output plan in the RapidPlan knowledge-based planning system using multicriteria optimization

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the number of trade-off explored (TO) library plans required for building a RapidPlan (RP) library that would generate the optimal clinical treatment plan. Methods We developed 2 RP models, 1 each for the 2 clinical sites, head and neck (HN) and cervix. The models were created using 100 plans and were validated using 70 plans (VP) for each site respectively. Each of the 2 libraries comprising 100 TO plans was divided into 5 different subsets of library plans comprising 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 plans, leading to 5 different RP models for each site. For every validation patient, a TO plan (TO_VP) was created. For every patient, 5 RP plans were automatically generated using RP models. The dosimetric parameters of the 6 plans (TO_VP + 5 RP plans) were compared using Pearson correlation and Greenhouse-Geisser analysis. Results Planning target volume (PTV) dose volume parameters PTVD95% in 6 competing plans varied between 97.6 ± 0.7% and 98.1 ± 0.6% in HN cases and 98.8 ± 0.3% and 99.0 ± 0.4% in cervix cases. Overall, for both sites, the mean variations in organ at risk (OAR) doses or volumes were within 50 cGy, 0.5%, and 0.2 cc between library plans, and if TO_VP was included the variations deteriorated to 180 cGy, 0.4%, and 15 cc. All OARs in both sites, except D0.1 ccspine, showed a statistically insignificant variation between all plans. Conclusions Dosimetric variation among various output plans generated from 5 RP libraries is minimal and clinically insignificant. The optimal output plan can be derived from the least-weighted library consisting of 20 plans. Advances in knowledge This article shows that, when the constituent plans are subjected to trade-off exploration, the number of constituent plans for a knowledge-based planning module is not relevant in terms of its dosimetric output.