Assessment of dose-volume histogram statistics using three-dimensional conformal techniques in breast cancer adjuvant radiotherapy treatment

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is first of the top 10 malignancies in Iraq. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) are most commonly used as a plan evaluation tool. This study aimed to assess DVH statistics using three-dimensional conformal radiotherapies in BC in an adjuvant setting. Methods: A retrospective study of 70 histologically confirmed women diagnosed with BC was reviewed. The study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021, planning for treatment with adjuvant three-dimensional conformal radiotherapies. The treatment plan used for each woman was based on an analysis of the volumetric dose, including DVH analysis. Results: The planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for tumors at V85% was better than V90% and V95%, with highly significant differences (p < 0.0001). The planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for lymph nodes at V85% was higher than V90% and V95%, with no significant differences. Conclusions: This is the only study that has been carried out in Iraq that we are aware of that addresses the evaluation of DVH statistics in BC. V85% produced the best chest wall coverage, and V95% made the worst. With little significance, higher lymph nodes coverage was attained at V85%, whereas the lowest coverage was at V95%.