Developing a MLC modifier program to improve fiducial detection for MV/kV imaging during hypofractionated prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy Journal Article


Authors: Happersett, L.; Wang, P.; Zhang, P.; Mechalakos, J.; Li, G.; Eley, E.; Zelefsky, M.; Mageras, G.; Damato, A. L.; Hunt, M.
Article Title: Developing a MLC modifier program to improve fiducial detection for MV/kV imaging during hypofractionated prostate volumetric modulated arc therapy
Abstract: Purpose: To develop an Eclipse plug-in (MLC_MODIFIER) that automatically modifies control points to expose fiducials obscured by MLC during VMAT, thereby facilitating tracking using periodic MV/kV imaging. Method: Three-dimensional fiducial tracking was performed during VMAT by pairing short-arc (3°) MV digital tomosynthesis (DTS) images to triggered kV images. To evaluate MLC_MODIFIER efficacy, two cohorts of patients were considered. For first 12 patients, plans were manually edited to expose one fiducial marker. Next for 15 patients, plans were modified using MLC_MODIFIER script. MLC_MODIFIER evaluated MLC apertures at appropriate angles for marker visibility. Angles subtended by control points were compressed and low-dose “imaging” control points were inserted and exposed one marker with 1 cm margin. Patient's images were retrospectively reviewed to determine rate of MV registration failures. Failure categories were poor DTS image quality, MLC blockage of fiducials, or unknown reasons. Dosimetric differences in rectum, bladder, and urethra D1 cc, PTV maximum dose, and PTV dose homogeneity (PTV HI) were evaluated. Statistical significance was evaluated using Fisher's exact and Student's t test. Result: Overall MV registration failures, failures due to poor image quality, MLC blockage, and unknown reasons were 33% versus 8.9% (P < 0.0001), 8% versus 6.4% (P < 0.05), 13.6% versus 0.1% (P < 0.0001), and 7.6% versus 2.4% (P < 0.0001) for manually edited and MLC_MODIFIER plans, respectively. PTV maximum and HI increased on average from unmodified plans by 2.1% and 0.3% (P < 0.004) and 22.0% and 3.3% (P < 0.004) for manually edited and MLC_MODIFIED plans, respectively. Changes in bladder, rectum, and urethra D1CC were similar for each method and less than 0.7%. Conclusion: Increasing fiducial visibility via an automated process comprised of angular compression of control points and insertion of additional “imaging” control points is feasible. Degradation of plan quality is minimal. Fiducial detection and registration success rates are significantly improved compared to manually edited apertures. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine
Keywords: prostate; image-guided radiotherapy; motion management; fiducial tracking; mv/kv imaging
Journal Title: Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics
Volume: 20
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1526-9914
Publisher: American College of Medical Physics  
Date Published: 2019-06-01
Start Page: 120
End Page: 124
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/acm2.12614
PUBMED: 31116478
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC6560246
DOI/URL:
Notes: Essence Eley's first name is listed as "Eleanor" on the origianl publication -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Michael J Zelefsky
    754 Zelefsky
  2. Pengpeng Zhang
    175 Zhang
  3. Gikas S Mageras
    277 Mageras
  4. Guang Li
    98 Li
  5. Margie A Hunt
    287 Hunt
  6. Ping   Wang
    11 Wang
  7. Antonio Leonardo Damato
    75 Damato
  8. Eleanor E Eley
    2 Eley