IMRT plans for breast cancer and its quality control

In this study 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), which is the standard treatment technique for the treatment of breast cancer, and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques were compared in terms of target coverage and the doses received by critical organs. Besides, the correct application of the IMRT plans in the treatment machines and the confirmity of the plans were checked using different dosimetric systems. Twenty-two female patients with breast cancer who were treated at Ege University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology during 2009-2011 were included in this study. The patients were treated with 3DCRT. The treatment plans of each patient were reconstructed using IMRT technique. The doses received by the target volume and the critical organs were analized using dose volume histograms (DVH). IMRT plans provided better target coverage with better normal tissue sparing than 3DCRT plans. Homogeneity index (HI) of the target volume was also better with IMRT providing more homogeneous dose distribution. Ion chamber, 2 dimensional ion chamber and film dosimetry were used in the quality control of the IMRT plans.