ALGORITHM OF THE OPTIMAL TECHNIQUE SELECTION FOR LEFT-SIDED BREAST CANCER RADIOTHERAPY
Purpose. The study aims to design the algorithm of the optimal technique selection for left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy (LSBC RT) and to estimate its effectiveness. Materials and methods. 480 RT plans using 3D-conformal RT, intensity-modulated RT, volumetric modulated arc RT techniques for free breathing and active breathing control were generated for 80 LSBC female patients. To design the optimal RT technique selection algorithm, organs at risk dosimetry data for investigated techniques were compared regarding to chest planimetry and planning target volumes. The effectiveness of the algorithm was evaluated in prospective study with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) serum level measuring and electrocardiography (ECG) data assessment before and after RT Results. Statistically significant differences between comparing groups in incidence of NT-proBNP values increase and ECG data worsening were not revealed (p >0,05). Conclusions. The algorithm showed to be the useful tool for LSBC treatment individualization and RT equipment usage improvement.