| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5881176 | Radiography | 2015 | 6 Pages |
AimsThe benefits of image-guided and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) treatment delivery in the form of TomoTherapy and its role in the management of metastatic disease are discussed through four unique case studies.Case studies and discussionThe properties of the treatment modality employed are demonstrated through the case studies selected. Each case study demonstrates advantages of using inverse planned IG-IMRT to treat patients with metastases in different anatomical sites. The use of TomoTherapy for the specified cases is contrasted with traditional non helical linear accelerator treatments.Case 1 demonstrates the ability to intricately conform the dose to the left skull base whilst sparing dose to surrounding healthy brain tissue. Case 2 demonstrates the treatment of multiple lesions of different sites successively with one plan, with multiple dose prescriptions. Delivery of an in-field concomitant boost to the brain with dose escalation is highlighted by Case 3, and re-treatment of a spinal volume with dose shaping to spare organs at risk is demonstrated by Case 4.ConclusionTomoTherapy is mainly reserved for treatment of curative patients in most radiotherapy departments due to cost and time constraints, however the benefits of treating patients with metastatic disease in particular patient scenarios are evidenced. TomoTherapy may potentially provide beneficial outcomes for patients with metastatic disease as a result of reduced treatment related side effects, increasing patient quality of life. TomoTherapy may also be an additional treatment option for patients who may not be offered further radiotherapy by other modalities due to previous doses received.
