Biomedical subjects

L G Fortan

Publications and source records attributed to L G Fortan.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Off-line verification of the day-to-day three-dimensional table position variation for radiation treatments of the head and neck region using an immobilization mask.

Variation in the table height position for 175 treatments of 167 patients was calculated as a measure for day-to-day set-up precision in 2063 treatment sessions and resulted in a median standard deviation of 1 mm. The median standard deviations of table longitudinal and lateral position were 3 and 5 mm, respectively.

Brain Neoplasms↗

PubMed1998

3D conformal intensity-modulated radiotherapy planning: interactive optimization by constrained matrix inversion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This paper presents a method for interactive optimization of 3D conformal intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans employing a quadratic objective that also contains dose limitations in the organs at risk. This objective function is minimized by constrained matrix inversion (CMI) that follows the same approach as the gradient technique using matrix notation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sherouse's GRATIS radiotherapy design system is used to determine the outlines of the target volume and the organs at risk and to input beam segments which are given by the beam segmentation technique. This technique defines the beam incidences and the beam segmentation. The weights of the segments are then calculated using a quadratic objective function and CMI. The objective function to be minimized consists of two components based on the planning target volume (PTV) and the organ at risk (OAR) with an importance factor w associated with the OAR. RESULTS: Optimization is tested for concave targets in the head and neck region wrapping around the spinal cord. For a predefined w-value, segment weights are optimized within a few seconds on a DEC Alpha 3000. In practice, 5-10 w-values have to be tested, making optimization a less than 5 min procedure. This optimization procedure predicts the possibility of target dose escalation for a tumour in the lower neck to 120-150 Gy without exceeding the spinal cord tolerance, whereas human planners could not increase the dose above 65-80 Gy. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment plans optimized using a quadratic objective function and the CMI algorithm are superior to those which are generated by human planners. The optimization algorithm is very fast and allows interactive use. Quadratic optimization by CMI is routinely used by clinicians at the Division of Radiotherapy, U.Z.-Gent.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed1997

Execution of a single-isocenter three-field technique, using a multileaf collimator or tray-mounted cerrobend blocks: effect on treatment time.

PURPOSE: In this article, we studied the total treatment time of a single-isocenter three-field irradiation of breast and axilla, using either tray-mounted cerrobend blocks, or a multileaf collimator (MLC) for field shaping. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 20 female, unselected patients were given 50 Gy (2 Gy/fraction) on breast and 46 Gy on axilla and supraclavicular region (2 Gy/fraction). Patients were randomized between two different treatment groups. The first group (n = 10) was treated on a Philips SL-75 linear accelerator (SL-75), using 5 MV photons with tray-mounted cerrobend blocks. The second group (n = 10) was treated on a Philips SL-25 linear accelerator, using 6 MV photons and a MLC (SL-25-MLC). RESULTS: Although the beam-on time on the SL-25-MLC was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared to the SL-75, overall treatment time was significantly shorter using a MLC instead of tray-mounted cerrobend blocks (p < 0.0001). The difference in total treatment time was in the range of 100 s per patient per day. The main difference between the two accelerators was observed when setup of the second and third field was done using the automatic setup facility of the SL-25-MLC (avoids entering the treatment room). A mean time gain of 124 s per treatment session was observed using automatic setup. Considering the yearly number of patients receiving this treatment, a total time gain equivalent to 16.15 8-h workdays was calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a technique using tray-mounted cerrobend blocks in the single-isocenter three-field irradiation of a breast and axilla, a MLC combined with automatic field setup provides a significant time advantage, by reducing the number of manipulations inside the treatment room.

Axilla↗

PubMed1995

The effects of isoflurane and halothane on blood flow and 31P NMR spectra in murine RIF-1 tumors.

The principal aim of these studies was to evaluate the utility of isoflurane and halothane for NMR investigations of tumor physiology. In vivo 31P and 2H NMR were used to examine RIF-1 tumors before, during, and (for 31P) after anesthesia. In tumors, halothane decreases blood flow, [PCR]:[NTP], and pH indicated by the Pi chemical shift (pHnmr), while it increases [Pi]:[NTP]; effects consistent with well-established cardiovascular effects of halothane. Isoflurane does not affect tumor blood flow or [PCr]:[NTP], but increases tumor [Pi]:[NTP] and decreases tumor pHnmr. In vivo 31P NMR measurements of normal mouse liver (upper abdomen) indicate that isoflurane has a similar effect in the liver. Although the mechanism for these effects is unknown, observation of a split Pi peak during isoflurane anesthesia suggests that a pool of Pi in a lower pH environment may become evident under isoflurane anesthesia. Regardless of the cause for increased [Pi]:[NTP] and decreased pHnmr, the utility of isoflurane anesthesia for 31P NMR studies of energy metabolism is limited.

Animals↗