Errors analysis of prone position in intensity modulated radiation therapy of cervical cancer

Objective To study the spatial distribution of set-up errors for cervical cancer with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and to provide referential safety margin out of clinical tumor volume (CTV) during treatment plan design. Methods Six patients with cervical cancer were treated with IMRT in prone position, belly board and thermoplastic cast was used for immobilization. Measurement were made on a daily basis setup under five consecutive treatments with electron portal images device (EPID).Portal films from two projection (one anter-posterior and one opposite lateral)were taken. Sixty portal films were analyzed. The translational and rotational deviations were analyzed by registering and comparing the bony structures of EPID and digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR). Results The translational deviations were (3.1 ±1.8) mm, (3.9 ±3.3) mm, (4.2 ±2.6) mm in medi-lateral, cranio-caudal and anterior-posterior directions, the rotational deviations were in coronal plane (0.8±0.9)° and sagittal plane (1.2±1)°. Conclusion For the patients with cervical cancer undergoing IMRT, the margins between the CTV and PTV should be 7.1 mm in lateral direction, 10.4 mm in cranio-caudal and 10.8 mm in anterior-posterior directions. The sign on patients body can help to reduce the setup errors. Key words: Uterine cervical neoplasms; Radiotherapy; Radiotherapy planning, computer-assisted; Set-up error