In this study, we compared the dose impact of the heterogeneity caused by rectal gas using two methods of treatment planning for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
In addition to the structure set used for the standard treatment plan, we created a structure set for evaluation for each patient. These sets were transferred to the same isocenter as the respective treatment plans for IMRT and VMAT that were to become the standard. Values were then recalculated.
During the standard prostatic IMRT and VMAT treatment planning, all study participants met dose restrictions in place at our hospital. Dose restrictions were fulfilled in treatment plans for evaluation, excluding those with a clinical target volume (CTV) of V (100 %) and planning target volume (PTV) of D (95) when the rectum was excluded. However, in treatment plans for evaluation, IMRT was shown to have a higher concordance rate with standard treatment plans than VMAT.
If rectal gas is present during either IMRT or VMAT, a dose decrease will occur in relation to CTV and PTV, suggesting that a plan does not eliminate adverse effects on organs at risk.