Quality Assurance for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Gynecologic Malignancies

Authors

Samuel N Andersen
Mark D Bonnen
Michelle S Ludwig
Shraddha M Dalwadi

Publication Date

2-1-2024

Journal

Cureus

DOI

10.7759/cureus.53470

PMID

38435154

PMCID

PMC10909451

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-2-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

radiation for gynecologic malignancies, sbrt boost, sbrt quality control, inoperable uterine cancer, inoperable cervical cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, stereotactic body radiation therapy

Abstract

The use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is not well studied or reported in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, despite its success in the definitive management of other cancer sites. This report describes a rigorous quality assurance process for patients to undergo dose escalation to the pelvis via stereotactic photon beam irradiation. Patients who receive SBRT must be ineligible for conventional brachytherapy boost and undergo comprehensive informed consent. Fiducial placement, bowel prep, Foley catheter placement with standardized bladder filling, computerized tomography (CT) simulation with whole-body immobilization, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assisted target delineation, planning aims based on the established brachytherapy literature, and physics consultation for SBRT plan optimization are necessary. Prior to each fraction, the simulation position is reproduced and verified with on-table cone beam CT, and the position is maintained with whole-body immobilization. Following treatment, the treating physician is active in survivorship and toxicity management. Gynecologic SBRT is an ongoing area of study, and preliminary successes in delivering high-quality stereotactic dose escalation suggest prospective investigation is warranted. By adhering to strict quality control measures and following a pre-defined best standard of practice, patients with gynecologic malignancies who are ineligible for traditional brachytherapy procedures can be safely treated with SBRT.