Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy versus Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Aim: provide evidence concerning advantages of volumetric modulated arc therapy over intensity modulated radiation therapy. Background: external beam radiation therapy is a major treatment modality of prostate cancer; especially in high and intermediate risk categories in combination with androgen deprivation therapy. The advent of new techniques of irradiation such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) improved significantly the biochemical free survival by allowing dose escalation without enhancement of related toxicities. Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a circular technique delivering radiation dose using one or multiple arc of 360° around the target volumes. Methods: We collected all dosimetric studies comparing VAMT versus IMRT, published in PubMed indexed journals between 2008 and 2015. Parameters of comparison were dose volume histograms for target volumes and organs at risk, number of monitors units and treatment time. Results: Globally, the target volumes coverage and organ at risk protection were similar between the two techniques. VMAT has the advantage to reduce significantly the number of monitor units and treatment time. Conclusion: VMAT is a very efficient technique of radiation therapy, and should be preferred in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Dosimetric comparison between intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy to enhance bladder and bowel

“…These methods have been used to detect spatial errors in multi-blade collimators and linear accelerator settings [ 39 ]. It is obvious that software development and artificial intelligence, with improvements in design and time, advanced quality assurance, and increased security in reviewing treatment plans, will be an important step in identifying and classifying uncertainties in RT and its correct delivery in the future [ 40 ].…”