Dosimetric and Efficiency Comparisons between Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy and IMRT for Cervical-Thoracic Esophageal Cancers

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the treatment plans of Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity-modulated radiation (IMRT) techniques for cervical-thoracic esophageal cancers. Methods and Materials: Sixty patients were retrospectively identified. Several parameters evaluated based on target conformity and dose-volume histograms organs at risk (lung, spinal cord, heart). A phantom time comparison was also assessed each plan. Results: The IMRT (5f-IMRT: V95% = 99.4 ± 0.3, 7f-IMRT: 99.8 ± 0.1) results in better PTV coverage than RA plans (Single-arc: 95.8 3.2, Double-arc: 95.4 2.3). dose conformity 5f-IMRT plan inferior all (CI 70.4 7.1). The Single-arc achieved best 72.5 4.6), whereas the Double-arc 72.1 5.1) slightly Single-arc plan but superior 7f-IMRT 71.7 8.6). total MU reduced by 42.1% VMAT average MU needed deliver dose 60 Gy (423.5 52.1 MU) found to be least. Similarly, 5f-IMRT, and Double-arc 868.2 182.0 MU, 870.0 225.3 548.8 47.2 MU, respectively. delivery reduced from 193.8 seconds 99.2 by around 48.8% compared plans. Conclusion: For similar parameters, delivers a lower a shorter time, this has warranted clinical implementation.