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Plan quality analysis of intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery treatment planning in different grid sizes and photon fluence smoothness
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A. Watcharawipha   , W. Nobnop , A. Bunnachak , A. Chaiyapong , B. Jia-Mahasap , I. Chitapanarux |
| Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand , wannapha.n@cmu.ac.th |
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Abstract: (12 Views) |
Background: Inverse treatment planning provides superior dose conformity and steep dose gradients, which are essential for Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). Given the critical nature of dose optimization and calculation, this study investigates how different grid sizes and photon fluence smoothing levels influence plan quality outcomes. Materials and Methods: Using ten SRS/SRT cases, eight distinct planning scenarios were generated by cross-referencing 2 mm and 3 mm grid sizes for both optimization and final dose calculation, alongside two levels of fluence smoothing. Plan quality was evaluated via dose coverage, Homogeneity Index (HI), Conformity Index (CI), and Gradient Distance (GD). Statistical significance was assessed at a 95% confidence interval, utilizing a weighted scoring system to benchmark performance against a standard 2 mm grid protocol. Results: Utilizing a 3 mm grid for optimization followed by a 2 mm grid for final dose calculation yielded significantly better results for dose coverage and GD, though it produced a lower CI. Despite this, the weighted performance scores for this configuration exceeded the benchmark. Furthermore, the level of photon fluence smoothing (low vs. medium) did not significantly impact the plan quality outcome. Conclusion: A larger optimization grid (3 mm) paired with a finer calculation grid (2 mm) produces plan quality comparable to using a fine grid for both stages. These results suggest that planning efficiency can be improved without compromising clinical quality, regardless of the fluence smoothing level. |
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| Keywords: Stereotactic radiosurgery, dose calculation, dose optimization, photon fluence smoothness, treatment planning. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1071 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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