Stereotactic Body Proton Therapy for Early Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer – Technical Challenges and Solutions: The MD Anderson Experience

Authors

X Ronald Zhu
Yuting Li
Ming Yang
Thomas J Whitaker
Paige A Taylor
Xiaodong Zhang
Falk Poenisch
Narayan Sahoo
Zhongxing Liao
Joe Y Chang

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Journal of Radiosurgery and SBRT

Abstract

Our randomized clinical study comparing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and stereotactic body proton therapy (SBPT) for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was closed prematurely owing to poor enrollment, largely because of lack of volumetric imaging and difficulty in obtaining insurance coverage for the SBPT group. In this article, we describe technology improvements in our new proton therapy center, particularly in image guidance with cone beam CT (CBCT) and CT on rail (CTOR), as well as motion management with real-time gated proton therapy (RGPT) and optical surface imaging. In addition, we have a treatment planning system that provides better treatment plan optimization and more accurate dose calculation. We expect to re-start the SBPT program, including for early stage NSCLC as well as for other disease sites soon after starting patient treatment at our new proton therapy center.

Keywords

SBPT, SBRT, NSCLC, proton therapy, image guidance, PBS

Comments

PMID: 38029015