Assessment of dose‐volume histogram statistics using three‐dimensional conformal techniques in breast cancer adjuvant radiotherapy treatment

Abstract

Abstract Objective Breast cancer (BC) is first of the top 10 malignancies in Iraq. Dose‐volume histograms (DVHs) are most commonly used as a plan evaluation tool. This study aimed to assess DVH statistics using three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapies in BC in an adjuvant setting. Methods A retrospective study of 70 histologically confirmed women diagnosed with BC was reviewed. The study was conducted between November 2020 and May 2021, planning for treatment with adjuvant three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapies. The treatment plan used for each woman was based on an analysis of the volumetric dose, including DVH analysis. Results The planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for tumors at V85% was better than V90% and V95%, with highly significant differences (p < 0.0001). The planning target volume and clinical target volume coverage for lymph nodes at V85% was higher than V90% and V95%, with no significant differences. Conclusions This is the only study that has been carried out in Iraq that we are aware of that addresses the evaluation of DVH statistics in BC. V85% produced the best chest wall coverage, and V95% made the worst. With little significance, higher lymph nodes coverage was attained at V85%, whereas the lowest coverage was at V95%.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• dose volume histogram
• organs at risk
• three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy