Dosimetric Effect of Injection Ports in Tissue Expanders on Post-Mastectomy Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Planning for Left-Sided Breast Cancer

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the dosimetric effect of traditional metallic ports and radio frequency identification (RFID) ports (Motiva Flora®) on post-mastectomy volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for left-sided breast cancer. Computed tomography (CT) simulation was performed on an anthropomorphic torso phantom by attaching two types of tissue expander on the left chest wall. For the comparison of CT artifacts, five points of interest were selected and compared: point A = central chest wall, B = medial chest wall, point C = lateral chest wall, point D = axilla, and point E = left anterior descending artery. VMAT planning using two partial arcs with a single isocenter was generated, and dosimetric parameters were investigated. Compared to metallic ports, RFID ports tremendously decreased distortion on CT images, with the exception of point D. The V5Gy, V10Gy, V15Gy, V20Gy, V30Gy, and Dmean values of the heart in RFID ports were lower than those in metallic ports. The V5Gy, V15Gy, V20Gy, V30Gy, and Dmean values of the ipsilateral lung in RFID ports were also lower than those in metallic ports. RFID ports showed superior dosimetric results for doses to the heart and lungs as compared to that in metallic ports.

Keywords

• tissue expander
• breast cancer
• radiotherapy
• volumetric modulated arc therapy