Comparison of 3D conformal breast radiation treatment plans using the anisotropic analytical algorithm and pencil beam convolution algorithm

Plans using AAA calculation can achieve a similar level of target coverage based on DVH as PBC calculation. Nevertheless, the dose distribution shows insufficient coverage in the superior area with AAA plans compared to PBC plans. The lung volume receiving the low-dose (i.e. 5 Gy) is larger and the dose to the skin is greater in AAA plans than PBC plans. Compared with PBC calculation, a larger tolerance in discrepancy between AAA and independent MU verification should be allowed to account for the inadequate heterogeneity corrections in the latter.