Urethra-Sparing Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Quality Assurance of a Randomized Phase 2 Trial
: Maud Jaccard, Thomas Zilli, Angèle Dubouloz, Luís Escude, Sandra Jorcano, Nadine Linthout, Samuel Bral, Wilko Verbakel, Anna Bruynzeel, Mikko Björkqvist, Heikki Minn, Lev Tsvang, Zvi Symon, Joana Lencart, Angelo Oliveira, Zeynep Ozen, Ufuk Abacioglu, Juan María Pérez-Moreno,Carmen Rubio, Michel Rouzaud, Raymond Miralbell
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
: 2020
: International Journal of Radiation Oncology - Biology - Physics
: International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics
: 108
: 4
: 1047
: 1054
: 8
: 0360-3016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.06.002
Purpose
To present the radiation therapy quality assurance results from a prospective multicenter phase 2 randomized trial of short versus protracted urethra-sparing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer.
Methods and Materials
Between 2012 and 2015, 165 patients with prostate cancer from 9 centers were randomized and treated with SBRT delivered either every other day (arm A, n = 82) or once a week (arm B, n = 83); 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions were prescribed to the prostate with (n = 92) or without (n = 73) inclusion of the seminal vesicles (SV), and the urethra planning-risk volume received 32.5 Gy. Patients were treated either with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT; n = 112) or with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT; n = 53). Deviations from protocol dose constraints, planning target volume (PTV) homogeneity index, PTV Dice similarity coefficient, and number of monitor units for each treatment plan were retrospectively analyzed. Dosimetric results of VMAT versus IMRT and treatment plans with versus without inclusion of SV were compared.
Results
At least 1 major protocol deviation occurred in 51 patients (31%), whereas none was observed in 41. Protocol violations were more frequent in the IMRT group (P < .001). Furthermore, the use of VMAT yielded better dosimetric results than IMRT for urethra planning-risk volume D98% (31.1 vs 30.8 Gy, P < .0001), PTV D2% (37.9 vs 38.7 Gy, P < .0001), homogeneity index (0.09 vs 0.10, P < .0001), Dice similarity coefficient (0.83 vs 0.80, P < .0001), and bladder wall V50% (24.5% vs 33.5%, P = .0001). To achieve its goals volumetric modulated arc therapy required fewer monitor units than IMRT (2275 vs 3378, P <.0001). The inclusion of SV in the PTV negatively affected the rectal wall V90% (9.1% vs 10.4%, P = .0003) and V80% (13.2% vs 15.7%, P = .0003).
Conclusions
Protocol deviations with potential impact on tumor control or toxicity occurred in 31% of patients in this prospective clinical trial. Protocol deviations were more frequent with IMRT. Prospective radiation therapy quality assurance protocols should be strongly recommended for SBRT trials to minimize potential protocol deviations.
