Standard versus 3D optimized MRI-based planning for uterine cervix cancer brachyradiotherapy – The Ljubljana experience

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the introduction of 3D MRI-based treatment planning for uterine cervix cancer at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana. The evaluation was based on standard versus optimized plan comparison. D90, V100 for high-risk clinical target volume and D2cc for bladder, rectum and sigmoid colon were compared. The results showed that by optimization it was possible to increase D90 and V100 for HR-CTV. At the same time, D2cc was reduced for all organs at risk except for rectum in large tumor group where D2cc was increased but still remained below the institutional dose restrictions. The study provided confirmation that 3D MRI-based treatment planning was indeed a considerable improvement of the planning process with respect to the standard planning.