Voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold with volumetric modulated arc therapy in pediatric patients with mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma.

Background

Deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) has been established to decrease normal tissue radiation dose in breast cancer.

Methods

Forty-nine patients had two CT scans during DIBH or free breathing. Chest-wall position, setup verification and breath-hold monitoring were performed. Cone-beam CT and a surface image system were used for verification.

Results

A total of 1617 breath-holds were analyzed in 401 fractions. The mean time bit was 6.01 min. The mean breaths-holds per fraction was 4.96. The median for intra-breath hold variability was 3 mm. No patient stopped treatment for intolerance. Clinical target volume margins were calculated as 0.36, 0.36 and 0.32 for the three translational positions. The mean saved volume was 26.3%.

Conclusion

Voluntary DIBH is feasible, tolerable and easy to apply for children with Hodgkin lymphoma involving the mediastinum.