Objective Evaluation the Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy (FSRT) for the patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) after the whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) failure.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients with brain metastases from small-cell lung cancer treated with linear accelerator FSRT after the WBRT failure. Multivariate analysis was used to determine significant prognostic factor related to survival.ResultsThe following-up rate was 100％.The median following-up time was 11 months.The median over-all survival (OS) time was 10.3( 1 -30) months after FSRT.Controlled extra cranial disease was the only identified significant predictor of increased median OS time (χ2 =4.02,P =0.045 ).The median OS time from the diagnosis of brain metastasis was 22 (6 - 134 )months.14 patients died from brain metastasis,14 from extra-cranial progression,1 from leptomeningeal metastases,and 3 from other causes. Local control at 6 months and 12 months was 91％ and 76％,respectively.No significant late complications.New brain metastases outside of the treated area developed in 17％ of patients at a median time of 4(2 -20) months; all patients had received previous WBRT.ConclusionsFractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was safe and effective treatment for recurrent small-cell lung carcinoma brain metastases.

Objective:To evaluate the application of visual feedback coaching method, which is embedded in an optical surface monitoring system, in deep inspiration breath holding during the radiotherapy in left breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery.Methods:Thirty patients with left breast cancer, who were scheduled to receive the whole breast radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery, met the requirements of deep inspiration breath holding after respiratory coaching with the visual feedback coaching module in the optical surface monitoring system. Active breathing control equipment was used to control breath-holding state and CT simulation was performed. During treatment, optical surface monitoring system was used to guide radiotherapy. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group A ( n=15), visual feedback respiratory training method was utilized and not employed in group B ( n=15). In group A, the visual feedback coaching bar of the optical surface monitoring system was implemented, while audio interactive method was employed to guide patients to hold their breath. Real-time data of optical body surface monitoring were used to compare the interfraction reproducibility and intrafraction stability of breath holding fraction between two groups. Besides, the number of breath holding and treatment time per fraction were also compared. GraphPad prism 6.0 software was used for data processing and mapping, and SPSS 21.0 software was used for analyzing mean value and normality testing. Results:Compared with the control group, the reproducibility in the experiment group was reduced from 1.5 mm to 0.7 mm, the stability was reduced from 1.1 mm to 0.8 mm, the mean number of breath holding required per fraction was decreased from 4.6 to 2.4, the mean beam-on time per fraction from 336 s to 235 s, and the treatment time per fraction was shortened from 847 s to 602 s (all P<0.05), respectively. Conclusions:The application of visual feedback coaching method can improve the reproducibility and stability of breath holding during radiotherapy for left breast cancer, and it can also effectively reduce the number of breath holding and shorten the treatment time per fraction.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of surface-guided hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization.Methods:Nineteen patients treated with hypo- fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis in our hospital were included. Before the start of treatment, each patient underwent simulation with open face mask immobilization. During the treatment, cone-beam CT(CBCT)images were collected for verification each time. Laser-guided positioning was used for the first time in the treatment, and surface images were captured after six-dimensional position correction as the reference images for subsequent treatment. Subsequent treatment was randomly divided into laser-guided positioning group(LG, 85/F)and optical surface-guided positioning group(SG, 101/F). The six-dimensional error data of patients with two positioning methods were compared and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Meanwhile, the correlation and consistency between the optical surface error data and the gold standard CBCT error data were compared in the laser-guided fraction. GraphPad Prism 6.0 software was used for data processing and mapping, and SPSS 21.software was used for mean analysis and normality test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation, and Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to test the coincidence between two methods.Results:Compared with the laser-guided positioning, the 3D error of optical surface-guided positioning was reduced from(0.35±0.16)cm to(0.14±0.07)cm. The Pearson coefficient of correlation along all three directions was less than 0.01,R 2 was 0.91,0.70 and 0.78 on Lat, Lng and Vrt, and R 2 was 0.75,0.85 and 0.77 on Pitch, Roll and Rtn(all P<0.01), respectively. The measurement results of two methods were positively correlated. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3 mm tolerance([-0.29 cm, 0.19 cm], [-0.25 cm, 0.25 cm], [-0.27 cm, 0.19 cm]), and the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3° tolerance(Pitch[-1.76°,1.76°], Roll[-1.54°,1.60°], ROT[-2.18°,1.69°]), indicating agreement between two methods. Conclusions:The optical surface-guided positioning can reduce the setup errors in the hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization. The optical surface error and CBCT error have good correlation and agreement.

By using optical surface guided radiotherapy technology, the principle of three-dimensional body surface imaging is employed to obtain body surface images in a real-time manner. By comparing with reference images, it can verify the position before treatment, and realize real-time monitoring and gated treatment during treatment. It is a non-invasive and non-radiation technology, which is mainly applied in the treatment of intracranial, head and neck, chest and abdomen, breast, extremities and pediatric tumors. The research progresses consist of four aspects including less body surface markers, less restraint fixation, safer collision prediction and more accurate real-time tracking.

Objective:To summarize the experience of ELEKTA Unity MR-linac in clinical application in our hospital and analyze the positioning accuracy, process time and other related issues.Methods:A total of 14 patients enrolled in the Unity MR-Linac study were reviewed. All treatment time (including positioning, scanning, replanning, and beam discharge) and setup errors in 3directions were statistically analyzed. 11 patients with conventional accelerators using the multifunctional immobilization system (MIS) were randomly selected to make statistical analysis of the setup errors, and the differences between the Unity group and the conventional accelerators using the MIS were compared using t-test. Results:In the Unity group, the setup errors in X, Y and Z directions were (-0.15±0.30) cm, (0.02±0.57) cm and (-0.10±0.28) cm, respectively. The average treatment time was 36.87minutes. The average positioning time was 5.40minutes. The mean scan time was 7.48minutes, the mean adaptive plan time was 7.46minutes, and the mean beam time was 9.48minutes. In the conventional accelerator group, the setup errors were (0.05±0.25) cm, (-0.01±0.25) cm and (-0.03±0.23) cm, respectively. The results of the setup errors of patients fixed with MIS showed that there were significant differences in the left and right directions ( P<0.001), while there were no significant differences in the Y and Z directions ( P=0.061 and 0.374) between two groups. Conclusions:Except in the X direction, there is no significant difference in setup errors between the Unity and conventional accelerator groups in the condition of laser-free system. Under smooth circumstances, the treatment time by using ATP (adapt to position) workflow will also be within the range of tolerance of the patients. Magnetic-guided radiotherapy has a promising application prospect, whereas the procedure needs to be optimized.

Objective:To investigate the setup errors of postoperative radiotherapy immobilized with integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) system in breast cancer patients.Methods:Thirty-two breast cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy immobilized with integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) system were prospectively recruited in this study. Breast/chest wall (cw) and supra/infraclavicular nodal region (sc) were irradiated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. CBCT location verification in radiotherapy and target areas of the breast/chest wall and upper and lower collarbone were carried out, respectively. The consistency between setup errors and the position of the upper and lower target areas of 239 CBCT images was analyzed.Results:The translational setup errors of the breast/chest wall in the X-cw (left-right), Y-cw (superior-inferior), Z-cw (anterior-posterior) directions were (1.84±2.36) mm, (1.99±2.48) mm, and (1.75±1.86) mm, respectively. The translational setup errors of the supra/infraclavicular nodal region in the X-sc (left-right), Y-sc (superior-inferior), Z-sc (anterior-posterior) directions were (1.98±2.44) mm, (1.98±2.48) mm, and (1.71±1.79) mm, respectively. The differences of translational setup errors between the breast/chest wall and supra/infraclavicular nodal region in the X, Y, Z directions were (0.38±0.66) mm, (0.07±0.41) mm, and (0.45±0.92) mm, respectively. Conclusion:For the breast cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy covering breast/chest wall and supra/infraclavicular nodal region, the integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) immobilization system provides good reproducibility and yields Sfew setup errors.

Objective:To compare the setup errors in the supraclavicular regions of two different postures (arms placed on each side of the body, namely the body side group; arms crossed and elbows placed above forehead, namely the uplifted group) using the chest and abdomen flat frame fixation device in lung and esophageal cancer.Methods:Clinical data of patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅳ lung or esophageal cancer who received three-dimensional radiotherapy with chest and abdomen flat frame fixation device in our institution from November 2020 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The setup errors of two postures were compared.Results:A total of 56 patients were included, including 31 patients (55%) in the body side group and 25 patients (45%) in the uplifted group. A total of 424 CBCTs were performed in the whole group. The overall setup errors in the X, Y and Z directions were similar in both groups ( P>0.05). The setup errors of sternoclavicular joint in the X and RZ directions in the body side group were significantly smaller than those in the uplifted group [(0.163±0.120) cm vs. (0.209 ±0.152) cm, P=0.033; 0.715°±0.628° vs. 0.910°±0.753°, P=0.011]. The setup errors of acromioclavicular joint in the Y, Z and RZ directions in the body side group were significantly smaller than those in the uplifted group [(0.233±0.135) cm vs. (0.284±0.193) cm, P=0.033; (0.202±0.140) cm vs. (0.252±0.173) cm, P=0.005; 0.671°±0.639° vs. 0.885°±0.822°, P=0.023]. The margins of target volume for setup errors were smaller in the X (0.45 cm vs. 0.54 cm) and Y (0.54 cm vs. 0.65 cm) directions of the sternoclavicular joint, as well as in the Y (0.59 cm vs. 0.78 cm) and Z directions (0.53 cm vs. 0.72 cm) of the acromioclavicular joint in the body side group. Conclusions:For lung and esophageal cancer patients requiring supraclavicular irradiation, the body side group yields smaller setup errors and corresponding margins of target volume than the uplifted group. In clinical practice, it is necessary to take comprehensive consideration of the accuracy of radiotherapy and additional radiation of the limbs to select appropriate posture.

Objective:To analyze the duration of each phase of Unity MR-linac in clinical application, aiming to provide reference for clinical optimization of the process time.Methods:Clinical data of 55 patients treated with Unity MR-linac were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into the adapt to position (ATP) and adapt to shape (ATS) groups according to the planning method. The duration of each phase in the treatment process, the name and the time of each sequence, the number of beams, segments and total monitor units (MUs) were recorded and compared between two groups. In addition, the set-up time was counted according to different treatment sites. The time of each sequence and set-up time were expressed as the median M (Q 1, Q 3), and the number of beams, segments and total MUs of each plan were described as the mean±SD. Results:42 patients underwent ATP with a total of 305 treatment sessions: setup time was 3(2, 5) min, MR scanning time was 5(4, 7) min, registration time was 3(3, 4) min, adaptive planning time was 8(4, 12) min, beam on time was 8(6, 11) min, and the total time was 30(25, 36) min. 13 patients received ATS with a total of 65 treatment sessions: setup time was 2(2, 3) min, MR scanning time was 7(5, 8) min, registration time was 4(3, 5) min, time of delineation of target and organs at risk was 12(9, 16) min, adaptive planning time was 11(10, 14) min, beam on time was 10(9, 11) min and the total time was 55(49, 61) min. The set-up time according to treatment sites was 4(2, 4) min in the head and neck, 2(2, 4) min in the chest, and 3(2, 5) min in the abdomen. The number of fields, segments and total MUs during ATP were 8.1±1.7, 49.9±31.2, 846.75±363.44 in the head and neck, 8.0±2.0, 60.7±13.3, 790.21±279.00 in the chest, and 9.7±2.0, 81.2±22.3, 2007.32±1053.81 in the abdomen, respectively. The number of fields, segments and total MUs during ATS in head and neck of one case were 13, 39, 993.07, and 9.5±1.5, 65.5±6.3, 2763.26±835.41 in the abdomen.Conclusions:MR-guided radiotherapy yields huge potential in clinical application. However, there is still much room for the improvement of shortening the process duration.

Objective:To analyze the time needed for active breathing coordinator (ABC) coaching in tumor patients, and to explore the influencing factors of coaching time.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 93 patients who received ABC treatment led by the same staff at the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from September 2019 to April 2021. The effects of education level, body mass index (BMI), age, gender and disease type on the couching time were analyzed. The coaching time was expressed as Mean ± SD. Independent sample t-test or rank sum test was used for comparison between different groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Statistical significance was observed in the effect of education level, BMI and age on coaching time. The coaching time in the higher education group was (9.74±3.80) min, significantly shorter than the (13.79±6.03) min ( P=0.001) of the primary education group and the (13.03±5.14) min ( P=0.021) of the middle education group. The couching time in the BMI<24 kg/m 2 group was (10.27±3.98) min, significantly shorter compared with (12.74±5.60) min ( P<0.001) in the BMI≥24 kg/m 2 group. The coaching time in the ≥60 years old group was (14.12±5.06) min, significantly longer than the (9.86±3.76) min ( P=0.002) of the ≤40 years old group and the (11.30±5.10) min ( P=0.021) of the 40-60 years old group. No significant differences were noted in the effect of gender, disease type and tumor staging on the coaching time. The coaching time in males and females was (13.54±5.89) and (10.94±4.61) min, respectively ( P=0.071). The coaching time of patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, mediastinal lymphoma and pancreatic cancer was (10.75±4.72), (15.30±5.57), (11.69±4.96), (9.86±3.61) and (12.15±0.07) min, respectively ( P=0.071). The coaching time of stageⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ patients was (10.35±4.37), (11.88±5.30), (9.52±2.51) and (14.32±5.27) min ( P=0.060). Conclusions:Patients with higher education level and BMI<24 kg/m 2 require less ABC coaching time. Patients aged≥60 years require longer coaching time. Gender, disease type and clinical stage exert no significant effect on the duration of coaching.