A prospective randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate three immobilisation devices for intra-thoracic radiation therapy

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the optimal of three immobilisation devices for lung radiotherapy in terms of setup reproducibility, patient comfort, radiation therapists' (RTs) satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Materials and methods:A total of 30 lung CRT patients were randomised to one of three immobilisation techniques À Arm A, headsponge; Arm B, BreastBoard dedicated immobilisation device; and Arm C, LungBoard dedicated immobilisation device.Results: Random errors were larger for Arm A versus C in all directions (p < 0.05). Random errors were larger for Arm A versus B for y and z directions (p < 0.05). When the data for the immobilisation devices (Arms BþC) were pooled and compared with Arm A (no dedicated device), the systematic errors were larger in the z direction for A (p < 0.05). Arm C was cheaper and was more comfortable for patients. Therapists preferred this device (Arm C) and treatment times were less (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This is the first prospective randomised controlled lung immobilisation trial, based on 3-DCRT, that takes into account treatment accuracy, users satisfaction and resource implications. It suggests that the LungBoard immobilisation device is optimal.