Patterns of practice of image guided particle therapy for cranio-spinal irradiation: A site specific multi-institutional survey of European Particle Therapy Network

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Petra Trnková - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Alexandru Dasu - , The Skandion Clinic, Uppsala University (Author)
  • Lorenzo Placidi - , A. Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS (Author)
  • Markus Stock - , MedAustron, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences (Author)
  • Iuliana Toma-Dasu - , Stockholm University, Karolinska Institutet (Author)
  • Charlotte L. Brouwer - , University of Groningen (Author)
  • Andrew Gosling - , University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Author)
  • Emmanuel Jouglar - , Institut Curie (Author)
  • Ingrid Kristensen - , Lund University (Author)
  • Valentine Martin - , Institut Gustave Roussy (Author)
  • Syed Moinuddin - , University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Author)
  • Isabelle Pasquie - , Institut Curie (Author)
  • Sarah Peters - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Alessia Pica - , Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) (Author)
  • Sandija Plaude - , University of Duisburg-Essen (Author)
  • Roberto Righetto - , Santa Chiara Hospital (Author)
  • Barbara Rombi - , Santa Chiara Hospital (Author)
  • Juliette Thariat - , Centre Georges-François Leclerc (Author)
  • Hiske van der Weide - , University of Groningen (Author)
  • Aswin Hoffmann - , Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Alessandra Bolsi - , Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the current practice patterns in image-guided particle therapy (IGPT) for cranio-spinal irradiation (CSI). Methods: A multi-institutional survey was distributed to European particle therapy centres to analyse all aspects of IGPT. Based on the survey results, a Delphi consensus analysis was developed to define minimum requirements and optimal workflow for clinical practice. The centres participating in the institutional survey were invited to join the Delphi process. Results: Eleven centres participated in the survey. Imaging for treatment planning was rather similar among the centres with Computed Tomography (CT) being the main modality. For positioning verification, 2D IGPT was more commonly used than 3D IGPT. Two centres performed routinely imaging for plan adaptation, by the rest ad hoc. Eight centres participated in the Delphi consensus analysis. The full consensus was reached on the use of CT imaging without contrast for treatment planning and the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in target and organs-at-risk delineation. There was an agreement on the necessity to perform patient position verification and correction before each isocentre. The most important outcome was the clear need for standardization and harmonization of the workflow. Conclusion: There were differences in CSI IGPT clinical practice among the European particle therapy centres. Moreover, the optimal workflow as identified by experts was not yet reached. There is a strong need for consensus guidelines. The state-of-the-art imaging technology and protocols need to be implemented into clinical practice to improve the quality of IGPT for CSI.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number103407
Number of pages9
JournalPhysica Medica
Volume123(2024)
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38906046

Keywords

Keywords

  • Cranio-spinal axis, Image guided proton therapy, Immobilization, Positioning, Proton therapy