Dosimetric analysis of stereotactic rotational versus static intensity-modulated radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer

Abstract Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy is a promising treatment modality for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. To determine the optimal radiation treatment, we compared the plan characteristics of volumetric-modulated arc therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy when administered with stereotactic body radiation therapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Patients and methods Fifteen patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were treated by stereotactic body radiation therapy at a dose of 24–32 Gy in four fractions with marker-guided gated volumetric-modulated arc therapy. Four dimensional-computed tomography scans were used to assess the target and surrounding normal organs. The same images, contours, and dose constraints were used for dual-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy and 9-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy planning. Plans were compared using dosimetric parameters and treatment performance. Results Volumetric-modulated arc therapy required significantly lower monitor units (1726 vs. 4188; P P 95% , 99.3% vs. 99.4%; P  = 0.796). Both modalities satisfied the dosimetric determinants for duodenal toxicity and the maximum and mean doses administered to normal organ were also statistically similar. Conclusion In comparison with 9-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric-modulated arc therapy significantly reduces the number of monitoring units and treatment delivery times while administering similar dosimetric quality. Based on these results, volumetric-modulated arc therapy might be an appropriate treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer when combined with stereotactic body radiation therapy.