Objective To address the need for rapid review of automated organ-at-risk (OAR) contouring for head-and-neck cancer in online adaptive radiotherapy, this study used dosimetric indices as the reference standard to evaluate the suitability of geometric similarity metrics and to develop a rapid screening model that balances the risk of missed errors with review efficiency. Methods This retrospective study included 29 patients with head-and-neck radiotherapy, yielding 243 pairs of OAR contours (auto-generated vs. manual). Geometric similarity metrics, including the Dice similarity coefficient (Dice), the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), and the maximum Hausdorff distance (HD100), were computed between the two contour sets. Using the dose distributions from clinical treatment plans, dosimetric differences between the two contour sets were calculated for key indices, including mean dose (D_mean) and maximum dose (D_max). Correlations between geometric metrics and dosimetric differences were analyzed. Dosimetric discrepancy events were defined as Y_3Gy using a threshold of 3 Gy. Within a univariable logistic regression triage framework, each geometric metric was used as an independent variable to estimate the probability of Y_3Gy. Discriminative performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and precision-recall (PR) curves, with the area under the curve (AUC) including ROC-AUC and PR-AUC. Practical operating thresholds were determined via threshold sweeping. Results Geometric similarity metrics showed weak-to-moderate correlations with dosimetric differences; compared with maximum dose, correlations with mean dose differences were more consistent. Among the evaluated metrics, HD95 achieved the best classification performance for Y_3Gy. Threshold sweeping suggested that an HD95 threshold in the range of 4-9 mm can balance the risk of missed discrepancies with the efficiency of automated contour quality assurance (QA). Conclusion Several geometric similarity metrics demonstrated only weak-to-moderate associations with dosimetric differences. For head-and-neck OAR contour QA in this study, HD95 provided the best discriminative performance and can support rapid triage of automated contours, with a practical operating threshold range of 4-9 mm, potentially improving the efficiency of adaptive radiotherapy workflows.

Objective To address the need for rapid review of automated organ-at-risk (OAR) contouring for head-and-neck cancer in online adaptive radiotherapy, this study used dosimetric indices as the reference standard to evaluate the suitability of geometric similarity metrics and to develop a rapid screening model that balances the risk of missed errors with review efficiency. Methods This retrospective study included 29 patients with head-and-neck radiotherapy, yielding 243 pairs of OAR contours (auto-generated vs. manual). Geometric similarity metrics, including the Dice similarity coefficient (Dice), the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), and the maximum Hausdorff distance (HD100), were computed between the two contour sets. Using the dose distributions from clinical treatment plans, dosimetric differences between the two contour sets were calculated for key indices, including mean dose (D_mean) and maximum dose (D_max). Correlations between geometric metrics and dosimetric differences were analyzed. Dosimetric discrepancy events were defined as Y_3Gy using a threshold of 3 Gy. Within a univariable logistic regression triage framework, each geometric metric was used as an independent variable to estimate the probability of Y_3Gy. Discriminative performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and precision-recall (PR) curves, with the area under the curve (AUC) including ROC-AUC and PR-AUC. Practical operating thresholds were determined via threshold sweeping. Results Geometric similarity metrics showed weak-to-moderate correlations with dosimetric differences; compared with maximum dose, correlations with mean dose differences were more consistent. Among the evaluated metrics, HD95 achieved the best classification performance for Y_3Gy. Threshold sweeping suggested that an HD95 threshold in the range of 4-9 mm can balance the risk of missed discrepancies with the efficiency of automated contour quality assurance (QA). Conclusion Several geometric similarity metrics demonstrated only weak-to-moderate associations with dosimetric differences. For head-and-neck OAR contour QA in this study, HD95 provided the best discriminative performance and can support rapid triage of automated contours, with a practical operating threshold range of 4-9 mm, potentially improving the efficiency of adaptive radiotherapy workflows.

Objective To address the need for rapid review of automated organ-at-risk (OAR) contouring for head-and-neck cancer in online adaptive radiotherapy, this study used dosimetric indices as the reference standard to evaluate the suitability of geometric similarity metrics and to develop a rapid screening model that balances the risk of missed errors with review efficiency. Methods This retrospective study included 29 patients with head-and-neck radiotherapy, yielding 243 pairs of OAR contours (auto-generated vs. manual). Geometric similarity metrics, including the Dice similarity coefficient (Dice), the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95), and the maximum Hausdorff distance (HD100), were computed between the two contour sets. Using the dose distributions from clinical treatment plans, dosimetric differences between the two contour sets were calculated for key indices, including mean dose (D_mean) and maximum dose (D_max). Correlations between geometric metrics and dosimetric differences were analyzed. Dosimetric discrepancy events were defined as Y_3Gy using a threshold of 3 Gy. Within a univariable logistic regression triage framework, each geometric metric was used as an independent variable to estimate the probability of Y_3Gy. Discriminative performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and precision-recall (PR) curves, with the area under the curve (AUC) including ROC-AUC and PR-AUC. Practical operating thresholds were determined via threshold sweeping. Results Geometric similarity metrics showed weak-to-moderate correlations with dosimetric differences; compared with maximum dose, correlations with mean dose differences were more consistent. Among the evaluated metrics, HD95 achieved the best classification performance for Y_3Gy. Threshold sweeping suggested that an HD95 threshold in the range of 4-9 mm can balance the risk of missed discrepancies with the efficiency of automated contour quality assurance (QA). Conclusion Several geometric similarity metrics demonstrated only weak-to-moderate associations with dosimetric differences. For head-and-neck OAR contour QA in this study, HD95 provided the best discriminative performance and can support rapid triage of automated contours, with a practical operating threshold range of 4-9 mm, potentially improving the efficiency of adaptive radiotherapy workflows.

Objective To quantitatively compare the dosimetric differences among 4 volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)plans by analyzing the number of arcs and collimator angle settings,aiming to establish a standardized planning template for hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation(HS-PCI)in clinic and improve both planning quality and clinical efficiency.Methods Twenty HS-PCI patients were enrolled,with 4 VMAT plans(V2c,V2p,V3,and V4)for each patient.The differences in target dose,organs-at-risk dose,and monitor units were compared.Results V4 plan had the highest PTV D98%and V95%,and the differences of PTV D98%in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,and PTV V95%in V2c vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).Meanwhile,V4 plan had the lowest PTV Dmax and Dmin doses.Specifically,statistically significant differences were observed in PTV Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V4 vs V3,as well as PTV Dmin in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V3,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V4(P<0.05).The PTV Dmean was the highest in V2p plan,with statistically significant differences observed in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,and V3 vs V4(P<0.05).The highest PTV D2%dose was observed in V2p plan,and the differences in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,V3 vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).The homogeneity index and conformity index were close in 4 plans(P=0.946,P=0.380).V4 plan had the lowest Dmax,Dmean,and Dmin of the hippocampus,with significant differences in hippocampal Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,hippocampal Dmean in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V3 vs V2c,and hippocampal Dmin in V2c vs V2p/V3/V4,and V4 vs V2p(P<0.05).V3 plan had the lowest Dmax for bilateral lenses,and V4 plan showed the lowest Dmax for lenses with a 3 mm expansion,with significant differences between V2c and V2p/V3/V4(P<0.05).V4 plan had the lowest dose for the right optic nerve,with significant differences in V4 vs V2p,and V4 vs V3(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed for the left optic nerve and optic chiasm.The monitor units in V2p plan was the lowest.Conclusion When differences in organs-at-risk doses and plan quality parameters are insignificant,V2p plan is recommended as it can ensure treatment quality while reducing delivery time.

Objective:To investigate the influence of ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels on setup errors before fractionated radiotherapy for cervical cancer patients through a comparative analysis, and its effectiveness in improving clinical target volume (CTV) margins.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 1 284 error data of setup via cone beam CT (CBCT) and 6D setup error correction system from 172 cervical cancer patients treated in the Radiotherapy Department of Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to October 2023. These patients were classified into two groups: 87 (659 times of setup) with ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels and 85 (625 times of setup) without ultrasonic monitoring. The setup errors, error distributions, and numbers of abnormal setups between the two groups were compared in the lateral (Lat), longitudinal (Lng), vertical (Vrt), pitch (Pitch), roll (Roll), and rotational (Rtn) dimensions. Moreover, the CTV to planning target volume(PTV) margin values in the three-dimensional direction were calculated for both groups to assess the clinical value of ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels before fractionated radiotherapy.Results:Compared to the group without ultrasonic monitoring, the group with ultrasonic monitoring exhibited lower median values of setup errors in all six-dimensional directions and smaller upper and lower interquartile ranges ( Z = -10.86 to -6.34, P<0.05). The group with ultrasonic monitoring manifested more concentrated setup errors in various directions and statistically significantly reduced numbers of abnormal setups ( χ2=15.33, P<0.05). Moreover, CTV-PTV margins of the group with ultrasonic monitoring displayed reduced CTV-PTV margin values by 0.55, 1.52, and 1.26 mm in the Vrt, Lng, and Lat directions, respectively. Conclusions:Pre-radiotherapy ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels in cervical cancer patients can significantly improve the repeatability of setup, thus notably reducing the incidence of abnormal setups. Theoretically, it can narrow the range from the CTV to the PTV, thereby minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and ultimately enhancing radiotherapy precision for cervical cancer and reducing radiation damage.

Objective:To investigate lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients.Methods:Clinical data of 495 HTG-AP patients admitted from June 2018 to June 2020 in the center for severe acute pancreatitis of Eastern Theater General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation verification were performed by next-generation sequencing technology and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of gene mutation was analyzed by population mutation ratio, pathogenicity prediction software, conservation scoring software, protein structure prediction, and in vitro experiments. Results:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, namely LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, were 14.81%, 55.78%, 43.61%, 1.62%, and 0.61%, respectively. Among them, 44 heterozygous mutations in LPL gene were detected including 36 missense mutations, 5 nonsense mutations and 3 frameshift mutations, which were all rarely carried in single patient. Six HTG-AP patients carried the LPL gene heterozygous mutation c.835C>G (p.Leu279Val). The mean level of serum triglyceride at the onset of HTG-AP was 27.4 mmol/L. All of them had a history of recurrent HTG-AP, and most of them had severe acute pancreatitis. The serum LPL concentration and activity were lower than the normal level. The pathogenicity analysis results suggested that the LPL p.Leu279Val was a rare, highly possible pathogenic and highly conserved gene mutation. The in vitro results showed that the LPL p.Leu279Val could significantly reduce the synthesis and secretion ability of LPL as well as its enzymatic activity. Conclusions:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, including LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, are relatively high in the HTG-AP patients. The LPL p.Leu279Val is a rare and highly possible pathogenic gene mutation, which may lead to recurrent episodes of HTG-AP.

Objective:To investigate the influence of ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels on setup errors before fractionated radiotherapy for cervical cancer patients through a comparative analysis, and its effectiveness in improving clinical target volume (CTV) margins.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 1 284 error data of setup via cone beam CT (CBCT) and 6D setup error correction system from 172 cervical cancer patients treated in the Radiotherapy Department of Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2019 to October 2023. These patients were classified into two groups: 87 (659 times of setup) with ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels and 85 (625 times of setup) without ultrasonic monitoring. The setup errors, error distributions, and numbers of abnormal setups between the two groups were compared in the lateral (Lat), longitudinal (Lng), vertical (Vrt), pitch (Pitch), roll (Roll), and rotational (Rtn) dimensions. Moreover, the CTV to planning target volume(PTV) margin values in the three-dimensional direction were calculated for both groups to assess the clinical value of ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels before fractionated radiotherapy.Results:Compared to the group without ultrasonic monitoring, the group with ultrasonic monitoring exhibited lower median values of setup errors in all six-dimensional directions and smaller upper and lower interquartile ranges ( Z = -10.86 to -6.34, P<0.05). The group with ultrasonic monitoring manifested more concentrated setup errors in various directions and statistically significantly reduced numbers of abnormal setups ( χ2=15.33, P<0.05). Moreover, CTV-PTV margins of the group with ultrasonic monitoring displayed reduced CTV-PTV margin values by 0.55, 1.52, and 1.26 mm in the Vrt, Lng, and Lat directions, respectively. Conclusions:Pre-radiotherapy ultrasonic monitoring of bladder filling levels in cervical cancer patients can significantly improve the repeatability of setup, thus notably reducing the incidence of abnormal setups. Theoretically, it can narrow the range from the CTV to the PTV, thereby minimizing radiation exposure to healthy tissues and ultimately enhancing radiotherapy precision for cervical cancer and reducing radiation damage.

Objective To quantitatively compare the dosimetric differences among 4 volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)plans by analyzing the number of arcs and collimator angle settings,aiming to establish a standardized planning template for hippocampal-sparing prophylactic cranial irradiation(HS-PCI)in clinic and improve both planning quality and clinical efficiency.Methods Twenty HS-PCI patients were enrolled,with 4 VMAT plans(V2c,V2p,V3,and V4)for each patient.The differences in target dose,organs-at-risk dose,and monitor units were compared.Results V4 plan had the highest PTV D98%and V95%,and the differences of PTV D98%in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,and PTV V95%in V2c vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).Meanwhile,V4 plan had the lowest PTV Dmax and Dmin doses.Specifically,statistically significant differences were observed in PTV Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V4 vs V3,as well as PTV Dmin in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V3,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V4(P<0.05).The PTV Dmean was the highest in V2p plan,with statistically significant differences observed in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,and V3 vs V4(P<0.05).The highest PTV D2%dose was observed in V2p plan,and the differences in V2c vs V2p,V2c vs V4,V2p vs V3,V3 vs V4 were statistically significant(P<0.05).The homogeneity index and conformity index were close in 4 plans(P=0.946,P=0.380).V4 plan had the lowest Dmax,Dmean,and Dmin of the hippocampus,with significant differences in hippocampal Dmax in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,hippocampal Dmean in V4 vs V2c,V4 vs V2p,V3 vs V2c,and hippocampal Dmin in V2c vs V2p/V3/V4,and V4 vs V2p(P<0.05).V3 plan had the lowest Dmax for bilateral lenses,and V4 plan showed the lowest Dmax for lenses with a 3 mm expansion,with significant differences between V2c and V2p/V3/V4(P<0.05).V4 plan had the lowest dose for the right optic nerve,with significant differences in V4 vs V2p,and V4 vs V3(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed for the left optic nerve and optic chiasm.The monitor units in V2p plan was the lowest.Conclusion When differences in organs-at-risk doses and plan quality parameters are insignificant,V2p plan is recommended as it can ensure treatment quality while reducing delivery time.

Objective:To investigate lipid metabolism gene mutations and pathogenicity of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) patients.Methods:Clinical data of 495 HTG-AP patients admitted from June 2018 to June 2020 in the center for severe acute pancreatitis of Eastern Theater General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Whole-exome sequencing and mutation verification were performed by next-generation sequencing technology and Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of gene mutation was analyzed by population mutation ratio, pathogenicity prediction software, conservation scoring software, protein structure prediction, and in vitro experiments. Results:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, namely LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, were 14.81%, 55.78%, 43.61%, 1.62%, and 0.61%, respectively. Among them, 44 heterozygous mutations in LPL gene were detected including 36 missense mutations, 5 nonsense mutations and 3 frameshift mutations, which were all rarely carried in single patient. Six HTG-AP patients carried the LPL gene heterozygous mutation c.835C>G (p.Leu279Val). The mean level of serum triglyceride at the onset of HTG-AP was 27.4 mmol/L. All of them had a history of recurrent HTG-AP, and most of them had severe acute pancreatitis. The serum LPL concentration and activity were lower than the normal level. The pathogenicity analysis results suggested that the LPL p.Leu279Val was a rare, highly possible pathogenic and highly conserved gene mutation. The in vitro results showed that the LPL p.Leu279Val could significantly reduce the synthesis and secretion ability of LPL as well as its enzymatic activity. Conclusions:The mutation ratio of lipid metabolism-related genes, including LPL, APOA5, LMF1, GPIHBP1, and APOC2, are relatively high in the HTG-AP patients. The LPL p.Leu279Val is a rare and highly possible pathogenic gene mutation, which may lead to recurrent episodes of HTG-AP.

CT simulator has the functions such as original coordination positioning and radiotherapy resetting,and it can provide image and cooridiate information for radiotherapy.Through electronic density calibration,tissue inhomogeneity correction is carried out for supporting dose calculation in treatment planning system.With reference to relevant national standards,international guidelines,clinical functions of CT simulator and the practical experience of the center,a set of acceptance and commissioning testing scheme suitable for big bore CT simulator is presented,aiming to guide and assist the newly opened department in conducting comprehensive,safe and feasible acceptance and commissioning tests.The scheme includes the reference methods and tolerance standards of CT simulator machinery,image quality,radiation dose,radiotherapy related items and safety,so as to ensure the safety and accuracy of CT simulation and survival benefits.