International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Dec 2000
Intensity modulation to improve dose uniformity with tangential breast radiotherapy: initial clinical experience.
We present a new technique to improve dose uniformity and potentially reduce acute toxicity with tangential whole-breast radiotherapy (RT) using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The technique of multiple static multileaf collimator (sMLC) segments was used to facilitate IMRT. ⋯ The use of intensity modulation with an sMLC technique for tangential breast RT is an efficient and effective method for achieving uniform dose throughout the breast. It is dosimetrically superior to the treatment techniques that employ only wedges. Preliminary findings reveal minimal or no acute skin reactions for patients with various breast sizes.
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Int. J. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. · Dec 2000
Decreasing the dosimetric effects of misalignment when using a mono-isocentric technique for irradiation of head and neck cancer.
The purpose of this study was to quantify and develop methods to decrease inhomogeneities created with field edge mismatch when using a mono-isocentric beam-split technique. ⋯ The two methods of evaluating matchline dose described above gave similar results. When using the mono-isocentric half-field technique, small misalignments produce worrisome regions of inhomogeneity. Our penumbra generator substantially decreases the magnitude of the dose inhomogeneities, although the volume receiving an inhomogeneous dose increases.