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Votta C, Iacovone S, Turco G, Carrozzo V, Vagni M, Scalia A, Chiloiro G, Meffe G, Nardini M, Panza G, Placidi L, Romano A, Cornacchione P, Gambacorta MA, Boldrini L. Evaluation of clinical parallel workflow in online adaptive MR-guided Radiotherapy: A detailed assessment of treatment session times. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2024; 29:100239. [PMID: 38405058 PMCID: PMC10883837 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2024.100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Advancements in MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) enable clinical parallel workflows (CPW) for online adaptive planning (oART), allowing medical physicists (MPs), physicians (MDs), and radiation therapists (RTTs) to perform their tasks simultaneously. This study evaluates the impact of this upgrade on the total treatment time by analyzing each step of the current 0.35T-MRgRT workflow. Methods The time process of the workflow steps for 254 treatment fractions in 0.35 MRgRT was examined. Patients have been grouped based on disease site, breathing modality (BM) (BHI or FB), and fractionation (stereotactic body RT [SBRT] or standard fractionated long course [LC]). The time spent for the following workflow steps in Adaptive Treatment (ADP) was analyzed: Patient Setup Time (PSt), MRI Acquisition and Matching (MRt), MR Re-contouring Time (RCt), Re-Planning Time (RPt), Treatment Delivery Time (TDt). Also analyzed was the timing of treatments that followed a Simple workflow (SMP), without the online re-planning (PSt + MRt + TDt.). Results The time analysis revealed that the ADP workflow (median: 34 min) is significantly (p < 0.05) longer than the SMP workflow (19 min). The time required for ADP treatments is significantly influenced by TDt, constituting 40 % of the total time. The oART steps (RCt + RPt) took 11 min (median), representing 27 % of the entire procedure. Overall, 79.2 % of oART fractions were completed in less than 45 min, and 30.6 % were completed in less than 30 min. Conclusion This preliminary analysis, along with the comparative assessment against existing literature, underscores the potential of CPW to diminish the overall treatment duration in MRgRT-oART. Additionally, it suggests the potential for CPW to promote a more integrated multidisciplinary approach in the execution of oART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Votta
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Iacovone
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Turco
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Valerio Carrozzo
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Marica Vagni
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Giuditta Chiloiro
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Guenda Meffe
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Matteo Nardini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giulia Panza
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Placidi
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Angela Romano
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cornacchione
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Boldrini
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Katsura K, Tanabe S, Nakano H, Sakai M, Ohta A, Kaidu M, Soga M, Kobayashi T, Takamura M, Hayashi T. The Relationship between the Contouring Time of the Metal Artifacts Area and Metal Artifacts in Head and Neck Radiotherapy. Tomography 2023; 9:98-104. [PMID: 36648996 PMCID: PMC9844309 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The impacts of metal artifacts (MAs) on the contouring workload for head and neck radiotherapy have not yet been clarified. Therefore, this study evaluated the relationship between the contouring time of the MAs area and MAs on head and neck radiotherapy treatment planning. (2) Methods: We used treatment planning computed tomography (CT) images for head and neck radiotherapy. MAs were classified into three severities by the percentage of CT images containing MAs: mild (<25%), moderate (25−75%), and severe (>75%). We randomly selected nine patients to evaluate the relationship between MAs and the contouring time of the MAs area. (3) Results: The contouring time of MAs showed moderate positive correlations with the MAs volume and the number of CT images containing MAs. Interobserver reliability of the extracted MAs volume and contouring time were excellent and poor, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that the contouring time of MAs areas is related to individual commitment rather than clinical experience. Therefore, the development of software combining metal artifact reduction methods with automatic contouring methods is necessary to reducing interobserver variability and contouring workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouji Katsura
- Department of Oral Radiology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-25-227-2914
| | - Satoshi Tanabe
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 851-8520, Japan
| | - Hisashi Nakano
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 851-8520, Japan
| | - Madoka Sakai
- Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ohta
- Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Motoki Kaidu
- Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Marie Soga
- Department of Oral Radiology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
| | - Taichi Kobayashi
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Masaki Takamura
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Takafumi Hayashi
- Department of Oral Radiology, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata 951-8520, Japan
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
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Frizzelle M, Pediaditaki A, Thomas C, South C, Vanderstraeten R, Wiessler W, Adams E, Jagadeesan S, Lalli N. Using multi-centre data to train and validate a knowledge-based model for planning radiotherapy of the head and neck. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 21:18-23. [PMID: 35391782 PMCID: PMC8981763 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Medenwald D, Fietkau R, Klautke G, Langer S, Würschmidt F, Vordermark D. Trends in radiotherapy inpatient admissions in Germany: a population-based study over a 10-year period. Strahlenther Onkol 2021; 197:865-875. [PMID: 34477888 PMCID: PMC8458212 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-021-01829-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective With the increasing complexity of oncological therapy, the number of inpatient admissions to radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy departments might have changed. In this study, we aim to quantify the number of inpatient cases and the number of radiotherapy fractions delivered under inpatient conditions in radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy departments. Methods The analysis is founded on data of all hospitalized cases in Germany based on Diagnosis-Related Group Statistics (G-DRG Statistics, delivered by the Research Data Centers of the Federal Statistical Office). The dataset includes information on the main diagnosis of cases (rather than patients) and the performed procedures during hospitalization based on claims of reimbursement. We used linear regression models to analyze temporal trends. The considered data encompass the period from 2008 to 2017. Results Overall, the number of patients treated with radiotherapy as inpatients remained constant between 2008 (N = 90,952) and 2017 (N = 88,998). Starting in January 2008, 48.9% of 4000 monthly cases received their treatment solely in a radiation oncology department. This figure decreased to 43.7% of 2971 monthly cases in October 2017. We found a stepwise decrease between December 2011 and January 2012 amounting to 4.3%. Fractions received in radiotherapy departments decreased slightly by 29.3 (95% CI: 14.0–44.5) fractions per month. The number of days hospitalized in radiotherapy departments decreased by 83.4 (95% CI: 59.7, 107.0) days per month, starting from a total of 64,842 days in January 2008 to 41,254 days in 2017. Days per case decreased from 16.2 in January 2008 to 13.9 days in October 2017. Conclusion Our data give evidence to the notion that radiotherapy remains a discipline with an important inpatient component. Respecting reimbursement measures and despite older patients with more comorbidities, radiotherapy institutions could sustain a constant number of cases with limited temporal shifts. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00066-021-01829-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Medenwald
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Rainer Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther Klautke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chemnitz Hospital, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Susan Langer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Dirk Vordermark
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Kim N, Chun J, Chang JS, Lee CG, Keum KC, Kim JS. Feasibility of Continual Deep Learning-Based Segmentation for Personalized Adaptive Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Area. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040702. [PMID: 33572310 PMCID: PMC7915955 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We analyzed the contouring data of 23 organs-at-risk from 100 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent definitive radiation therapy (RT). Deep learning-based segmentation (DLS) with continual training was compared to DLS with conventional training and deformable image registration (DIR) in both quantitative and qualitative (Turing’s test) methods. Results indicate the effectiveness of DLS over DIR and that of DLS with continual training over DLS with conventional training in contouring for head and neck region, especially for glandular structures. DLS with continual training might be beneficial for optimizing personalized adaptive RT in head and neck region. Abstract This study investigated the feasibility of deep learning-based segmentation (DLS) and continual training for adaptive radiotherapy (RT) of head and neck (H&N) cancer. One-hundred patients treated with definitive RT were included. Based on 23 organs-at-risk (OARs) manually segmented in initial planning computed tomography (CT), modified FC-DenseNet was trained for DLS: (i) using data obtained from 60 patients, with 20 matched patients in the test set (DLSm); (ii) using data obtained from 60 identical patients with 20 unmatched patients in the test set (DLSu). Manually contoured OARs in adaptive planning CT for independent 20 patients were provided as test sets. Deformable image registration (DIR) was also performed. All 23 OARs were compared using quantitative measurements, and nine OARs were also evaluated via subjective assessment from 26 observers using the Turing test. DLSm achieved better performance than both DLSu and DIR (mean Dice similarity coefficient; 0.83 vs. 0.80 vs. 0.70), mainly for glandular structures, whose volume significantly reduced during RT. Based on subjective measurements, DLS is often perceived as a human (49.2%). Furthermore, DLSm is preferred over DLSu (67.2%) and DIR (96.7%), with a similar rate of required revision to that of manual segmentation (28.0% vs. 29.7%). In conclusion, DLS was effective and preferred over DIR. Additionally, continual DLS training is required for an effective optimization and robustness in personalized adaptive RT.
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Guo C, Huang P, Li Y, Dai J. Accurate method for evaluating the duration of the entire radiotherapy process. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2020; 21:252-258. [PMID: 32710490 PMCID: PMC7497908 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Along with the increasing demand for high-quality radiotherapy and the growing number of high-precision radiotherapy devices, precise radiotherapy workflow management and accurate time evaluation of the entire radiotherapy process are crucial to providing appropriate, timely treatment for cancer patients. This study therefore aimed to establish an accurate, reliable method for evaluating the duration of the radiotherapy process, from beginning to end, based on real-time measurement data. These data are vital for improving the quality and efficiency of radiotherapy delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Altogether, 17 620 cancer patients' radiotherapy experiences were measured in real time in our radiation oncology department. The process was divided into five sequential core modules, with the start and stop times of each module automatically recorded using MOSAIQ software, an automated radiotherapy management system. The duration for each module and the total duration of the entire process were then automatically calculated and qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS The analysis showed significant treatment-time differences depending on the tumor site, which provided a practical reference for improvement of previous treatment modules and appointments management. In all, >60% of the cancer patients' total treatment time could be shortened. CONCLUSIONS We established a reliable method for evaluating the overall duration of radiotherapy protocols. The results pointed out a clear pathway by which we could improve future radiotherapy workflow management and appointment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlei Guo
- Department of Radiation OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Radiation OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yexiong Li
- Department of Radiation OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jianrong Dai
- Department of Radiation OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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The importance of communication skills required to reduce set-up errors in the radiotherapy planning phase. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s146039691900013x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDuring the planning computed tomography (CT) scan, patients experience the position and any immobilisation technique required for radiotherapy.Patient’s stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension that can introduce systematic set-up errors if not recognised and corrected.We discuss two clinical cases that highlight the importance of time dedicated to communication and revision of the first CT acquisition during a virtual simulation procedure.
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CT-based dose recalculations in head and neck cancer radiotherapy: comparison of daily dose recalculations to less time-consuming approaches. Strahlenther Onkol 2018; 195:475-481. [PMID: 30523417 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-018-1406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to investigate if daily dose recalculations are necessary or if less time-consuming approaches can be used to identify dose differences to the planned dose in patients with head and neck cancers (H&N). METHODS For 12 H&N patients treated with helical tomotherapy, daily dose calculations were performed retrospectively. Four different summation doses (SuDo) were calculated: DayDo (daily dose calculation), MVCTx2, MVCTx5, and MVCTx10 (dose calculations every second, fifth, and tenth fraction). Dose recalculations were depicted on the last contoured mega voltage CT (MVCT). The DayDo was compared to the planned dose and to the less time-consuming SuDo scenarios. The doses were assessed for the planning target volume (PTV) and the organs at risk (OARs): mandible (mand), spinal cord (SC), spinal cord +5 mm (SC+5 mm), parotid glands (PG). RESULTS The ipsilateral PG, contralateral PG, and PTV volume decreased by -22.5% (range: -34.8 to 5.2%), -19.5% (-31.5 to 15.8%), and -2.6% (-16.7 to 0.2%), respectively. There was a significant median mean dose (Dmean) dose difference for DayDo compared to the planned dose for PG total of 1.9 Gy (-3.3 to 7.3 Gy). But less time-consuming SuDo compared to DayDo showed statistically significant but not clinically relevant (<2%) dose differences for several organs. Hence the small dose difference to the gold standard (DayDo), we recommend dose recalculations every fifth MVCT in order to identify the occurrence of dose differences compared to the planned dose. CONCLUSION Daily dose calculations are the most precise to assess dose differences between actual and planned dose. Dose recalculations on every fifth MVCT (i. e., weekly control CTs) are an applicable and time-saving way of identifying patients with significant dose differences compared to the planned dose.
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A prospective study of weekly intensity modulated radiation therapy plan adaptation for head and neck cancer: improved target coverage and organ at risk sparing. AUSTRALASIAN PHYSICAL & ENGINEERING SCIENCES IN MEDICINE 2018; 42:43-51. [PMID: 30406923 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-018-0707-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This prospective study of weekly CT scanning and plan adaption during H&N IMRT reports on the frequency of plan adaptations based on dosimetric differences between original and re-optimised IMRT plans. The volumetric and geometric change occurring in target volumes and salivary glands is also described. Ten H&N cancer patients underwent weekly planning CT imaging and re-optimisation of the IMRT plan if PTV or OAR coverage was unacceptable. Comparisons of PTV and parotid gland dosimetry between the original and adaptive plans were made. Parotid and submandibular gland volume changes and shift were calculated. Eight of ten patients required one or more plan adaptations, with 41% of adaptations occurring by fraction ten. Salivary glands reduced in volume, with a medial shift of the lateral border of the parotid gland and a superior shift of the submandibular gland. Change in PTV coverage did not correlate with weight loss or nutritional score. Inadequate PTV coverage, requiring plan adaptation, occurs early in the course of IMRT. A weekly Adaptive RT (ART) protocol results in significant improvement of PTV coverage. Implementation of a clinical ART protocol should include imaging and dose calculation within the first ten fractions.
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Brivio D, Hu YD, Margalit DN, Zygmanski P. Selection of head and neck cancer patients for adaptive replanning of radiation treatment using kV-CBCT. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aad546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Zurl B, Bayerl A, De Vries A, Geinitz H, Hawliczek R, Knocke-Abulesz TH, Lukas P, Pötter R, Raunik W, Scholz B, Schratter-Sehn A, Sedlmayer F, Seewald D, Selzer E, Kapp KS. ÖGRO survey on radiotherapy capacity in Austria : Status quo and estimation of future demands. Strahlenther Onkol 2017; 194:284-292. [PMID: 29222711 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-017-1240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive evaluation of the current national and regional radiotherapy capacity in Austria with an estimation of demands for 2020 and 2030 was performed by the Austrian Society for Radiation Oncology, Radiobiology and Medical Radiophysics (ÖGRO). MATERIALS AND METHODS All Austrian centers provided data on the number of megavoltage (MV) units, treatment series, fractions, percentage of retreatments and complex treatment techniques as well as the daily operating hours for the year 2014. In addition, waiting times until the beginning of radiotherapy were prospectively recorded over the first quarter of 2015. National and international epidemiological prediction data were used to estimate future demands. RESULTS For a population of 8.51 million, 43 MV units were at disposal. In 14 radiooncological centers, a total of 19,940 series with a mean number of 464 patients per MV unit/year and a mean fraction number of 20 (range 16-24) per case were recorded. The average re-irradiation ratio was 14%. The survey on waiting times until start of treatment showed provision shortages in 40% of centers with a mean waiting time of 13.6 days (range 0.5-29.3 days) and a mean maximum waiting time of 98.2 days. Of all centers, 21% had no or only a limited ability to deliver complex treatment techniques. Predictions for 2020 and 2030 indicate an increased need in the overall number of MV units to a total of 63 and 71, respectively. CONCLUSION This ÖGRO survey revealed major regional differences in radiooncological capacity. Considering epidemiological developments, an aggravation of the situation can be expected shortly. This analysis serves as a basis for improved public regional health care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Zurl
- Universitätsklinik für Strahlentherapie-Radioonkologie, Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 32, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Anja Bayerl
- Klinische Abteilung für Strahlentherapie-Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Alexander De Vries
- Abteilung für Strahlentherapie-Radioonkologie, Landeskrankenhaus Feldkirch, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Hans Geinitz
- Abteilung für Radio-Onkologie, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Schwestern Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Robert Hawliczek
- Institut für Radioonkologie, SMZ-Ost Donauspital der Stadt Wien, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Peter Lukas
- Universitätsklinik für Strahlentherapie-Radioonkologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Richard Pötter
- Universitätsklinik für Strahlentherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Raunik
- Institut für Strahlentherapie/Radioonkologie, Klinikum Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Brigitte Scholz
- Institut für Radioonkologie, Wilhelminenspital der Stadt Wien, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Felix Sedlmayer
- Universitätsklinik für Radiotherapie und Radio-Onkologie, Universitätsklinikum Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dietmar Seewald
- Institut für Radioonkologie/Strahlentherapie, Salzkammergut-Klinikum Vöcklabruck, Vöcklabruck, Austria
| | - Edgar Selzer
- Institut für Radioonkologie u. Strahlentherapie, Landesklinikum Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Karin S Kapp
- Universitätsklinik für Strahlentherapie-Radioonkologie, Comprehensive Cancer Center Graz, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 32, 8036, Graz, Austria
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Dewan A, Sharma S, Dewan A, Srivastava H, Rawat S, Kakria A, Mishra M, T S, Mehrotra K. Impact of Adaptive Radiotherapy on Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer - A Dosimetric and Volumetric Study. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2017; 17:985-92. [PMID: 27039824 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2016.17.3.985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Objective of the study is to evaluate volumetric and dosimetric alterations taking place during radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) and to assess benefit of replanning in them. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty patients with LAHNC fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in a prospective study. Planning scans were acquired both pre-treatment and after 20 fractions (mid-course) of radiotherapy. Single plan (OPLAN) based on initial CT scan was generated and executed for entire treatment course. Beam configuration of OPLAN was applied to anatomy of interim scan and a hybrid plan (HPLAN30) was generated. Adaptive replanning (RPLAN30) for remaining fractions was done and dose distribution with and without replanning compared for remaining fractions. RESULTS Substantial shrinkage of target volume (TV) and parotids after 4 weeks of radiotherapy was reported (p<0.05). No significant difference between planned and delivered doses was seen for remaining fractions. Hybrid plans showed increase in delivered dose to spinal cord and parotids for remaining fractions. Interim replanning improved homogeneity of treatment plan and significantly reduced doses to cord (Dmax, D2% and D1%) and ipsilateral parotid (D33%, D50% and D66%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Use of one or two mid-treatment CT scans and replanning provides greater normal tissue sparing alongwith improved TV coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Dewan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi, India E-mail :
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Beech R, Burgess K, Stratford J. Process evaluation of treatment times in a large radiotherapy department. Radiography (Lond) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Radiotherapy infrastructure and human resources in Switzerland. Strahlenther Onkol 2016; 192:599-608. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-016-1022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zhang P, Simon A, Rigaud B, Castelli J, Ospina Arango JD, Nassef M, Henry O, Zhu J, Haigron P, Li B, Shu H, De Crevoisier R. Optimal adaptive IMRT strategy to spare the parotid glands in oropharyngeal cancer. Radiother Oncol 2016; 120:41-7. [PMID: 27372223 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2016.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In oropharyngeal cancer adaptive radiation therapy (ART), this study aimed to quantify the dosimetric benefit of numerous replanning strategies, defined by various numbers and timings of replannings, with regard to parotid gland (PG) sparing. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirteen oropharyngeal cancer patients had one planning and then six weekly CT scans during the seven weeks of IMRT. Weekly doses were recalculated without replanning or with replanning to spare the PG. Sixty-three ART scenarios were simulated by considering all the combinations of numbers and timings of replanning. The PG cumulated doses corresponding to "standard" IMRT and ART scenarios were estimated and compared, either by calculating the average of weekly doses or using deformable image registration (DIR). RESULTS Considering average weekly doses, the mean PG overdose using standard IMRT, compared to the planned dose, was 4.1Gy. The mean dosimetric benefit of 6 replannings was 3.3Gy. Replanning at weeks 1, 1-5, 1-2-5, 1-2-4-5 and 1-2-4-5-6 produced the lowest PG mean doses, 94% of the maximum benefit being obtained with 3 replannings. The percentage of patients who had a benefit superior to 5Gy for the contralateral PG was 31% for the three-replannings strategy. The same conclusions were found using DIR. CONCLUSION Early replannings proved the most beneficial for PG sparing, three replannings (weeks 1-2-5), representing an attractive combination for ART in oropharyngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Electronic Measurement Technology, North University of China, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China; Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France; Centre de Recherche en Information médicale sino-français (CRIBs), Rennes, France
| | - Antoine Simon
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France; Centre de Recherche en Information médicale sino-français (CRIBs), Rennes, France
| | - Bastien Rigaud
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France.
| | - Joël Castelli
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France; Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy Department, Rennes, France
| | | | - Mohamed Nassef
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Henry
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy Department, Rennes, France
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Image Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Pascal Haigron
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France; Centre de Recherche en Information médicale sino-français (CRIBs), Rennes, France
| | - Baosheng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Image Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huazhong Shu
- Centre de Recherche en Information médicale sino-français (CRIBs), Rennes, France; Laboratory of Image Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Renaud De Crevoisier
- Université de Rennes 1, LTSI, France; INSERM, U1099, Rennes, France; Centre de Recherche en Information médicale sino-français (CRIBs), Rennes, France; Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy Department, Rennes, France.
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Castelli J, Simon A, Rigaud B, Lafond C, Chajon E, Ospina JD, Haigron P, Laguerre B, Loubière AR, Benezery K, de Crevoisier R. A Nomogram to predict parotid gland overdose in head and neck IMRT. Radiat Oncol 2016; 11:79. [PMID: 27278960 PMCID: PMC4898383 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-016-0650-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purposes To generate a nomogram to predict parotid gland (PG) overdose and to quantify the dosimetric benefit of weekly replanning based on its findings, in the context of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally-advanced head and neck carcinoma (LAHNC). Material and methods Twenty LAHNC patients treated with radical IMRT underwent weekly computed tomography (CT) scans during IMRT. The cumulated PG dose was estimated by elastic registration. Early predictors of PG overdose (cumulated minus planned doses) were identified, enabling a nomogram to be generated from a linear regression model. Its performance was evaluated using a leave-one-out method. The benefit of weekly replanning was then estimated for the nomogram-identified PG overdose patients. Results Clinical target volume 70 (CTV70) and the mean PG dose calculated from the planning and first weekly CTs were early predictors of PG overdose, enabling a nomogram to be generated. A mean PG overdose of 2.5Gy was calculated for 16 patients, 14 identified by the nomogram. All patients with PG overdoses >1.5Gy were identified. Compared to the cumulated delivered dose, weekly replanning of these 14 targeted patients enabled a 3.3Gy decrease in the mean PG dose. Conclusion Based on the planning and first week CTs, our nomogram allowed the identification of all patients with PG overdoses >2.5Gy to be identified, who then benefitted from a final 4Gy decrease in mean PG overdose by means of weekly replanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Castelli
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy, de la Bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France. .,Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France. .,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - A Simon
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - B Rigaud
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - C Lafond
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy, de la Bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - E Chajon
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy, de la Bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - J D Ospina
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - P Haigron
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - B Laguerre
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Medical oncology, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | | | - K Benezery
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Radiotherapy, Nice, F-06100, France
| | - R de Crevoisier
- Centre Eugene Marquis, Radiotherapy, de la Bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.,Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.,INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France
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Castelli J, Simon A, Louvel G, Henry O, Chajon E, Nassef M, Haigron P, Cazoulat G, Ospina JD, Jegoux F, Benezery K, de Crevoisier R. Impact of head and neck cancer adaptive radiotherapy to spare the parotid glands and decrease the risk of xerostomia. Radiat Oncol 2015; 10:6. [PMID: 25573091 PMCID: PMC4311461 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-014-0318-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large anatomical variations occur during the course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). The risks are therefore a parotid glands (PG) overdose and a xerostomia increase. The purposes of the study were to estimate: - the PG overdose and the xerostomia risk increase during a "standard" IMRT (IMRTstd); - the benefits of an adaptive IMRT (ART) with weekly replanning to spare the PGs and limit the risk of xerostomia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients received radical IMRT (70 Gy) for LAHNC. Weekly CTs were used to estimate the dose distributions delivered during the treatment, corresponding either to the initial planning (IMRTstd) or to weekly replanning (ART). PGs dose were recalculated at the fraction, from the weekly CTs. PG cumulated doses were then estimated using deformable image registration. The following PG doses were compared: pre-treatment planned dose, per-treatment IMRTstd and ART. The corresponding estimated risks of xerostomia were also compared. Correlations between anatomical markers and dose differences were searched. RESULTS Compared to the initial planning, a PG overdose was observed during IMRTstd for 59% of the PGs, with an average increase of 3.7 Gy (10.0 Gy maximum) for the mean dose, and of 8.2% (23.9% maximum) for the risk of xerostomia. Compared to the initial planning, weekly replanning reduced the PG mean dose for all the patients (p<0.05). In the overirradiated PG group, weekly replanning reduced the mean dose by 5.1 Gy (12.2 Gy maximum) and the absolute risk of xerostomia by 11% (p<0.01) (30% maximum). The PG overdose and the dosimetric benefit of replanning increased with the tumor shrinkage and the neck thickness reduction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION During the course of LAHNC IMRT, around 60% of the PGs are overdosed of 4 Gy. Weekly replanning decreased the PG mean dose by 5 Gy, and therefore by 11% the xerostomia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Castelli
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Eugene Marquis, Avenue de la bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - Antoine Simon
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - Guillaume Louvel
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Eugene Marquis, Avenue de la bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Olivier Henry
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Eugene Marquis, Avenue de la bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Enrique Chajon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Eugene Marquis, Avenue de la bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Mohamed Nassef
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - Pascal Haigron
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - Guillaume Cazoulat
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | - Juan David Ospina
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
| | | | | | - Renaud de Crevoisier
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Eugene Marquis, Avenue de la bataille Flandre Dunkerque, F-35000, Rennes, France.
- Rennes University 1, LTSI, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
- INSERM, U1099, Campus de Beaulieu, Rennes, F-35000, France.
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Leetz HK, Eipper HH, Gfirtner H, Schneider P, Welker K. Personalbedarf der medizinischen Strahlenphysik in der Strahlentherapie im Vergleich zur aktuellen Richtlinie „Strahlenschutz in der Medizin“. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:753-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-014-0672-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Adamietz IA, Micke O, Popp W, Sack H. Evaluating the attendance of medical staff and room occupancy during palliative radiotherapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:781-5. [PMID: 24820198 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-014-0671-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Attendance of staff and use of resources during treatment have an impact on costs. For palliative radiotherapy, no reliable data are available on the subject. Therefore, the measurement of selected variables (staff absorbance and room occupancy) based on daily palliative irradiation was the aim of our prospective study. The analysis is part of a larger study conducted by the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO). PATIENTS, MATERIAL, AND METHODS A total of 172 palliative radiation treatments were followed up prospectively between October 2009 and March 2010. The study was performed at two experienced radiotherapy departments (Herne and Bielefeld) and evaluated the attendance of medical personnel and room occupancy related to the selected steps of the treatment procedure: treatment planning and daily application of radiation dose. RESULTS Computed tomography for treatment planning engaged the unit for 19 min (range: 17-22 min). The localization of target volume required on average 28 min of a technician's working time. The mean attendance of the entire staff (radiation oncologist, physicist, technician) for treatment planning was 159 min, while the total room occupancy was 140 min. Depending on the type of treatment, the overall duration of a radiotherapy session varied on average between 8 and 18 min. The staff was absorbed by the first treatment session (including portal imaging) for 8-27 min. Mean room occupancy was 18 min (range: 6-65 min). The longest medical staff attendance was observed during an initial irradiation session (mean: 11 min). Radiotherapy sessions with weekly performed field verifications occupied the rooms slightly longer (mean: 10 min, range: 4-25 min) than daily radiotherapy sessions (mean: 9 min, range: 3-29 min). We observed that the patients' symptoms, their condition, and their social environment confounded the time schedule. CONCLUSIONS Target localization, treatment planning, and performance of palliative radiotherapy absorb resources to an extent comparable to nonpalliative treatment. Because of unexpected events, the time schedule before and during radiotherapy may reveal strong interindividual variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irenäus A Adamietz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany,
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Evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff and resources for radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent patients. The DEGRO-QUIRO trial. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:582-90. [PMID: 24687562 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-014-0619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) initiated a multicenter trial to develop and evaluate adequate modules to assert core procedures in radiotherapy. The aim of this prospective evaluation was to methodical assess the required resources for radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS At three radiotherapy centers of excellence (University Hospitals of Heidelberg and Münster, the Medical School of Hannover), the manpower and time required for radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent patients was prospectively documented consistently over a 2-year period. The data were collected using specifically developed standard forms and were evaluated using specific process analysis tools. RESULTS A total number of 1914 data sets were documented and carefully analyzed. The personnel time requirements for all occupational groups were calculated as total time needed for a specific procedure and mean time per person. Regarding radiotherapy in general anesthesia, the required manpower was higher. The personnel time requirements in these cases were also longer, mainly due to longer room occupancy. Overall, the required resources were remarkably similar between the three different departments and may, therefore, be considered as representative. CONCLUSION For the first time, the personnel time requirements of a radiotherapy department for the maintenance, protection, and optimization of operational readiness for radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent patients with and without general anesthesia were determined methodically.
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Protection of quality and innovation in radiation oncology: the prospective multicenter trial QUIRO of DEGRO: evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during radiotherapy with tomotherapy. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:950-6. [PMID: 24658604 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-014-0615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The technical progress in radiotherapy in recent years has been tremendous. This also implies a change of human and time resources. However, there is a lack of data on this topic. Therefore, the DEGRO initiated several studies in the QUIRO project on this subject. The present publication focuses on results for tomotherapy systems and compares them with other IMRT techniques. METHODS Over a period of several months, time allocation was documented using a standard form at two university hospitals. The required time for individual steps in the treatment planning process was recorded for all involved professional groups (physicist, technician, and physician) by themselves. The time monitoring at the treatment machines was performed by auxiliary employees (student research assistants). Evaluation of the data was performed for all recorded data as well as by tumor site. A comparison was made between the two involved institutions. RESULTS A total of 1,691 records were analyzed: 148 from head and neck (H&N) tumors, 460 from prostate cancer, 136 from breast cancer, and 947 from other tumor entities. The mean value of all data from both centers for the definition of the target volumes for H&N tumors took a radiation oncology specialist 75 min, while a physicist needed for the physical treatment planning 214 min. For prostate carcinomas, the times were 60 and 147 min, respectively, and for the group of other entities 63 and 192 min, respectively. For the first radiation treatment, the occupancy time of the linear accelerator room was 31, 26, and 30 min for each entity (H&N, prostate, other entities, respectively). For routine treatments 22, 18, and 21 min were needed for the particular entities. Major differences in the time required for the individual steps were observed between the two centers. CONCLUSION This study gives an overview of the time and personnel requirements in radiation therapy using a tomotherapy system. The most representative analysis could be done for the room occupancy times during treatment in both centers. Due to the partly small amount of data and differing planning workflows between the two centers, it is problematic to draw a firm conclusion with regard to planning times. Overall, the time required for the tomotherapy treatment and planning is slightly higher compared to other IMRT techniques.
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Vorwerk H, Zink K, Schiller R, Budach V, Böhmer D, Kampfer S, Popp W, Sack H, Engenhart-Cabillic R. Protection of quality and innovation in radiation oncology: The prospective multicenter trial the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO-QUIRO study). Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:433-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-014-0634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer : DEGRO-QUIRO trial. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:358-63. [PMID: 24638238 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-013-0515-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The German Society of Radiation Oncology initiated a multicenter trial to evaluate core processes and subprocesses of radiotherapy by prospective evaluation of all important procedures in the most frequent malignancies treated by radiation therapy. The aim of this analysis was to assess the required resources for interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) and low-dose-rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (BRT) based on actual time measurements regarding allocation of personnel and room occupation needed for specific procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two radiotherapy centers (community hospital of Offenbach am Main and community hospital of Eschweiler) participated in this prospective study. Working time of the different occupational groups and room occupancies for the workflow of prostate BRT were recorded and methodically assessed during a 3-month period. RESULTS For HDR and LDR BRT, a total of 560 and 92 measurements, respectively, were documented. The time needed for treatment preplanning was median 24 min for HDR (n = 112 measurements) and 6 min for LDR BRT (n = 21). Catheter implantation with intraoperative HDR real-time planning (n = 112), postimplantation HDR treatment planning (n = 112), and remotely controlled HDR afterloading irradiation (n = 112) required median 25, 39, and 50 min, respectively. For LDR real-time planning (n = 39) and LDR treatment postplanning (n = 32), the assessed median duration was 91 and 11 min, respectively. Room occupancy and overall mean medical staff times were 194 and 910 min respectively, for HDR, and 113 and 371 min, respectively, for LDR BRT. CONCLUSION In this prospective analysis, the resource requirements for the application of HDR and LDR BRT of prostate cancer were assessed methodically and are presented for first time.
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Time evaluation of image-guided radiotherapy in patients with spinal bone metastases. A single-center study. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:287-92. [PMID: 24424627 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-013-0494-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Time is an important factor during immobilization for radiotherapy (RT) of painful spinal bone metastases. The different RT techniques currently in use have differing impacts on medical staff requirements, treatment planning and radiation delivery. This prospective analysis aimed to evaluate time management during RT of patients with spine metastases, focusing particularly on the impact of image-guided RT (IGRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 21 March 2013 and 17 June 2013, we prospectively documented the time associated with the core work procedures involving the patient during the first day of RT at three different linear accelerators (LINACs). The study included 30 patients; 10 in each of three groups. Groups 1 and 2 were treated with a single photon field in the posterior-anterior direction; group 3 received a three-dimensional conformal treatment plan. RESULTS The median overall durations of one treatment session were 24 and 25.5 min for the conventional RT groups and 15 min for IGRT group. The longest single procedure was patient immobilization in group 1 (median 9.5 min), whereas this was image registration and matching in groups 2 and 3 (median duration 9.5 and 5 min, respectively). Duration of irradiation (beam-on time) was similar for all groups at 4 or 5 min. The shortest immobilization procedure was observed in group 3 with a median of 3 min, compared to 4 min in group 2 and 9.5 min in group 1. CONCLUSION With this analysis, we have shown for the first time that addition of modern IGRT does not extend the overall treatment time for patients with painful bone metastases and can be applied as part of clinical routine in a palliative setting. The choice of treatment technique should be based upon the patient's performance status, as well as the size of the target volume and location of the metastasis.
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The QUIRO Study (assurance of quality and innovation in radiooncology): methodology, instruments and practices. Strahlenther Onkol 2014; 190:138-48. [PMID: 24408057 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-013-0555-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The QUIRO study aimed to establish a secure level of quality and innovation in radiation oncology. Over 6 years, 27 specific surveys were conducted at 24 radiooncological departments. In all, 36 renowned experts from the field of radiation oncology (mostly head physicians and full professors) supported the realization of the study. METHODS A salient feature of the chosen methodological approach is the "process" as a means of systematizing diversified medical-technical procedures according to standardized criteria. On the one hand, "processes" as a tool of translation are adapted for creating and transforming standards into concrete clinical and medical actions; on the other hand, they provide the basis for standardized instruments and methods to determine the required needs of physicians, staff, and equipment. In the foreground of the collection and measurement of resource requirements were the processes of direct service provision which were subdivided into modules for reasons of clarity and comprehensibility. Overhead tasks (i.e., participation in quality management) were excluded from the main study and examined in a separate survey with appropriate methods. RESULTS After the exploration of guidelines, tumor- or indication-specific examination and treatment processes were developed in expert workshops. Moreover, those specific modules were defined which characterize these entities and indications in a special degree. Afterwards, these modules were compiled according to their time and resources required in the "reference institution", i.e., in specialized and as competent recognized departments (mostly from the university area), by various suitable survey methods. CONCLUSION The significance of the QUIRO study and the validity of the results were optimized in a process of constant improvements and comprehensive checks. As a consequence, the QUIRO study yields representative results concerning the resource requirement for specialized, qualitatively and technologically highly sophisticated radiooncologic treatment in Germany.
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Time management in radiation oncology: evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during radiotherapy for prostate cancer: the DEGRO-QUIRO trial. Strahlenther Onkol 2013; 190:17-25. [PMID: 24126939 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-013-0440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In order to evaluate resource requirements, the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) recorded the times needed for core procedures in the radio-oncological treatment of various cancer types within the scope of its QUIRO trial. The present study investigated the personnel and infrastructural resources required in radiotherapy of prostate cancer. METHODS The investigation was carried out in the setting of definitive radiotherapy of prostate cancer patients between July and October 2008 at two radiotherapy centers, both with well-trained staff and modern technical facilities at their disposal. Personnel attendance times and room occupancy times required for core procedures (modules) were each measured prospectively by two independently trained observers using time measurements differentiated on the basis of professional group (physician, physicist, and technician), 3D conformal (3D-cRT), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). RESULTS Total time requirements of 983 min for 3D-cRT and 1485 min for step-and-shoot IMRT were measured for the technician (in terms of professional group) in all modules recorded and over the entire course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer (72-76 Gy). Times needed for the medical specialist/physician were 255 min (3D-cRT) and 271 min (IMRT), times of the physicist were 181 min (3D-cRT) and 213 min (IMRT). The difference in time was significant, although variations in time spans occurred primarily as a result of various problems during patient treatment. CONCLUSION This investigation has permitted, for the first time, a realistic estimation of average personnel and infrastructural requirements for core procedures in quality-assured definitive radiotherapy of prostate cancer. The increased time needed for IMRT applies to the step-and-shoot procedure with verification measurements for each irradiation planning.
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Zabel-du Bois A, Milker-Zabel S, Henzel M, Popp W, Debus J, Sack H, Engenhart-Cabillic R. [Evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery : QUIRO-DEGRO Trial]. Strahlenther Onkol 2012; 188:769-76. [PMID: 22847518 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-012-0140-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The German Society of Radiation Oncology ("Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie", DEGRO) initiated a multicenter trial to develop and evaluate adequate modules to assert core processes and subprocesses in radiotherapy. The aim of this prospective evaluation was to methodical assess the required resources (technical equipment and medical staff) for stereotactic radiotherapy/radiosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS At two radiotherapy centers of excellence (University Hospitals of Heidelberg and Marburg/Giessen), the manpower and time required for the implementation of intra- and extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy was prospectively collected consistently over a 3-month period. The data were collected using specifically developed process acquisition tools and standard forms and were evaluated using specific process analysis tools. RESULTS For intracranial (extracranial) fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) and radiosurgery (RS), a total of 1,925 (270) and 199 (36) records, respectively, could be evaluated. The approximate time needed to customize the immobilization device was median 37 min (89 min) for FRST and 31 min (26 min) for RS, for the contrast enhanced planning studies 22 and 27 min (25 and 28 min), for physical treatment planning 122 and 59 min (187 and 27 min), for the first and routine radiotherapy sessions for FSRT 40 and 13 min (58 and 31 min), respectively. The median time needed for the RS session was 58 min (45 min). The corresponding minimal manpower needed was 2 technicians for customization of the immobilization device, 2.5 technicians and 1 consultant for the contrast-enhanced planning studies, 1 consultant, 0.5 resident and 0.67 medical physics expert (MPE) for physical treatment planning, as well as 1 consultant, 0.5 resident, and 2.5 technicians for the first radiotherapy treatment and 2.33 technicians for routine radiotherapy sessions. CONCLUSION For the first time, the resource requirements for a radiotherapy department for the maintenance, protection and optimization of operational readiness for the application of intra- and extracranial stereotactic radiotherapy was determined methodically.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zabel-du Bois
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Duma M, Kampfer S, Schuster T, Winkler C, Geinitz H. Adaptive radiotherapy for soft tissue changes during helical tomotherapy for head and neck cancer. Strahlenther Onkol 2012; 188:243-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-011-0041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Blank E, Willich N, Fietkau R, Popp W, Schaller-Steiner J, Sack H, Wenz F. Evaluation of time, attendance of medical staff, and resources during radiotherapy for breast cancer patients. The DEGRO-QUIRO trial. Strahlenther Onkol 2012; 188:113-9. [PMID: 22241435 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-011-0020-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To conform to recommendations regarding the treatment of breast cancer, an estimation of costs and personnel to assure treatment is required. To date no recommendations based on real time measurements are available. The DEGRO (German Society of Radiation Oncology), therefore, initiated a prospective multicenter evaluation of core procedures of radiotherapy. In this analysis, the results regarding human resources and room occupation during the treatment of breast cancer are presented. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three academic radiation oncology centers (Erlangen, Münster, Mannheim) prospectively documented their workflow and working time for all breast cancer patients from July-October 2008. Subsequently, a statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS The longest working time of physicians was the definition of the target volume and organs at risk (mean 33 min). Furthermore, physicians needed much time for general tasks, which included conversations. Physicists needed the most time for treatment planning and authorization (64 min), whereas technicians were mostly needed in day-to-day radiotherapy treatment (15 min, 31 min including verification). Despite significant differences in specific steps between centers, overall working times and room occupation were comparable and representative. Special procedures (intraoperative radiotherapy/multicatheter brachytherapy) required considerable amounts of additional working time of physicians and physicists. CONCLUSION In this prospective analysis, data of human resources and room occupation during treatment of breast cancer are presented for the first time. Each patient consumes about 12 h of human resources for treatment and 3.75 h for general tasks (physicians 4.7 h, physicists 1.8 h, and technicians 9.2 h).
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Affiliation(s)
- E Blank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim, Germany.
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Fietkau R, Budach W, Zamboglou N, Thiel HJ, Sack H, Popp W. Time management in radiation oncology: development and evaluation of a modular system based on the example of rectal cancer treatment. The DEGRO-QUIRO trial. Strahlenther Onkol 2011; 188:5-11. [PMID: 22194028 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-011-0003-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal was to develop and evaluate a modular system for measurement of the work times required by the various professional groups involved in radiation oncology before, during, and after serial radiation treatment (long-term irradiation with 25-28 fractions of 1.8 Gy) based on the example of rectal cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A panel of experts divided the work associated with providing radiation oncology treatment into modules (from the preparation of radiotherapy, RT planning and administration to the final examination and follow-up). The time required for completion of each module was measured by independent observers at four centers (Rostock, Bamberg, Düsseldorf, and Offenbach, Germany). RESULTS A total of 1,769 data sets were collected from 63 patients with 10-489 data sets per module. Some modules (informed consent procedure, routine treatments, CT planning) exhibited little deviation between centers, whereas others (especially medical and physical irradiation planning) exhibited a wide range of variation (e.g., 1 h 49 min to 6 h 56 min for physical irradiation planning). The mean work time per patient was 12 h 11 min for technicians, 2 h 59 min for physicists, and 7 h 6 min for physicians. CONCLUSION The modular system of time measurement proved to be reliable and produced comparable data at the different centers. Therefore, the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) decided that it can be extended to other types of cancer (head and neck, prostate, and breast cancer) with appropriate modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fietkau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erlangen University Hospital, Universitätsstr. 27, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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