Radiotherapy Treatment Plan Quality Metrics for Postmastectomy Breast Cancer Patients Using Conformal Planning Techniques

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare treatment plan quality metrics for postmastectomy breast cancer patients using ۳-Dimensional conformal radiotherapy (۳DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) planning techniques.Material and Methods: The current study included ۵۰ postmastectomy breast cancer patients out of which ۲۴ were planned with ۳DCRT and ۲۶ with IMRT technique. Treatment plan quality metrics, namely homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), conformation number (CN), uniformity index (UI) and spillage index (R۵۰), volume receiving ۱۱۰% and ۹۵% of the prescribed dose (V۱۱۰% and V۹۵%) were calculated and compared for the two planning techniques.Results: IMRT plans have better conformity, homogeneity indices, and lower V۱۱۰% than ۳DCRT plans with an almost similar R۵۰% and V۹۵%.Conclusion: Quantitative values of radiotherapy treatment plan quality metrics for the target are found in favour of the IMRT technique rather than ۳DCRT. Implementation of these five parameters is helpful for evaluating treatment plans along with slice by slice and DVH analysis.