• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.233-241
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• 1994

Purpose : This study was performed to verify dose distribution with the tissue compensator which is used for uniform dose distribution in total body irradiation(TBI). Materials and methods : The compensators were made of lead(0.8mm thickness) and aluminum(1mm or 5mm thickness) plates. The humanoid phantom of adult size was made of paraffin as a real treatment position for bilateral total body technique. The humanoid phantom was set at 360cm of source-axis distance(SAD) and irradiated with geographical field size(FS) $144{\times}144cm^2(40{\times}40cm^2$ at SAD 100cm) which covered the entire phantom. Irradiation was done with 10MV X-ray(CLINAC 1800, Varian Co., USA) of linear accelerator set at Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Chonnam University Hospital. The midline absorbed dose was checked at the various regions such as head, mouth, mid-neck, sternal notch, mid-mediastinum, xiphoid, umbilicus, pelvis, knee and ankle with or without compensator, respectively. We used exposure/exposure rate meter(model 192, Capintec Inc., USA) with ionization chamber(PR 05) for dosimetry, For the dosimetry of thorax region TLD rods of $1x1x6mm^3$ in volume(LiF, Harshaw Co., Netherland) was used at the commercially available humanoid phantom. Results : The absorbed dose of each point without tissue compensator revealed significant difference(from $-11.8\%\;to\;21.1\%$) compared with the umbilicus dose which is a dose prescription point in TBI. The absorbed dose without compensator at sternal notch including shoulder was $11.8\%$ less than the dose of umbilicus. With lead compensator the absorbed doses ranged from $+1.3\%\;to\;-5.3\%$ except mid-neck which revealed over-compensation($-7.9\%$). In case of aluminum compensator the absorbed doses were measured with less difference(from $-2.6{\%}\;to\;5.3\%$) compared with umbilicus dose. Conclusion : Both of lead and aluminum compensators applied to the skull or lower leg revealed a good compensation effect. It was recognized that boost irradiation or choosing reference point of dose prescription at sternal notch according to the lateral thickness of patient in TBI should be considered.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 2003

Purpose : This study was performed to know the clinical profile and effectiveness of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with solitary juvenile polyp. Methods : This study included 19 children, aged 1.8 to 11.4 years, who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy and histologically proven solitary juvenile polyps between March 1998 and August 2002. We analyzed their detailed history, clinical manifestations, colonoscopic examination, method of anesthesia and results of colonoscopic polypectomy. Results : The mean age of the 19 cases was $4.7{\pm}2.8year$. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.1. Hematochezia, the main indication of colonoscopy, was present in all cases. Combined symptoms were mucoid stool or diarrhea(42%), abdominal pain(26%), constipation(11%) and anal fissure(11%). Anemia(Hb <10 g/dL) in four cases recovered spontaneously after polypectomy. Complications associated with premedication, sedation and colonoscopy itself did not occur. Bleeding developed in two cases(11%) after polypectomy. One of them was controlled with hemoclipping. The main site of polyps was the rectosigmoid colon in 15 cases(79%). The size of the polyps ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm. The interval between the onset of symptoms and polypectomy was from 0.1 to 42 months. Conclusion : Juvenile polyps are a common cause of benign, chronic and recurrent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic method. So earlier colonoscopy might avoid uneffective treatment and prevent untoward problems such as fear of parents and anemia.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2012

Purpose: There was a problem with using MU verification programs for the reasons that there were errors of MU when using MU verification programs based on Pencil Beam Convolution (PBC) Algorithm with radiation treatment plans around lung using Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA). On this study, we studied the methods that can verify the calculated treatment plans using AAA. Materials and Methods: Using Eclipse treatment planning system (Version 8.9, Varian, USA), for each 57 fields of 7 cases of Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), we have calculated using PBC and AAA with dose calculation algorithm. By developing MU of established plans, we compared and analyzed with MU of manual calculation programs. We have analyzed relationship between errors and 4 variables such as field size, lung path distance of radiation, Tumor path distance of radiation, effective depth that can affect on errors created from PBC algorithm and AAA using commonly used programs. Results: Errors of PBC algorithm have showned $0.2{\pm}1.0%$ and errors of AAA have showned $3.5{\pm}2.8%$. Moreover, as a result of analyzing 4 variables that can affect on errors, relationship in errors between lung path distance and MU, connection coefficient 0.648 (P=0.000) has been increased and we could calculate MU correction factor that is A.E=L.P 0.00903+0.02048 and as a result of replying for manual calculation program, errors of $3.5{\pm}2.8%$ before the application has been decreased within $0.4{\pm}2.0%$. Conclusion: On this study, we have learned that errors from manual calculation program have been increased as lung path distance of radiation increases and we could verified MU of AAA with a simple method that is called MU correction factor.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.167-173
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• 1996

Purpose : This analysis was to evaluate the radiation dose around a tracheostoma and spinal cord in the case of advanced laryngeal cancers in which a total laryngectomy was done before radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : The radiation dose around a tracheostoma and spinal cord was measured by thermoluminescence and film dosimetry in the phantom, Radiotherapy treatment planning was done in 12 cases of advanced laryngeal cancer and compared with the measured dose in the phantom. Results : Mean spinal cord doses in the phantom by thermoluminescence dosimetry were $86.4\%$ (with a tracheostoma), $80.1\%$ (without a tracheostoma), and the difference was $6.3\%$. Mean spinal cord doses in the phantom by film dosimetry were $84.7\%$ (with a tracheostoma), $79.0\%$ (without a tracheostoma). and the difference were $5.7\%$. Calculated spinal cord doses in the phantom were $84.0\%$ (with a tracheostoma), $78.0\%$ (without a tracheostoma), and the difference was $6.0\%$. Mean calculated spinal cord doses in 12 patients were $83.1\%$ (with a tracheostoma), $76.9\%$ (without a tracheostoma). and the difference was $6.2\%$. Measured dose of lateral and posterior wall of the tracheostoma by film was low (depth of maximum dose = 12 mm). Conclusion : In the treatment planning of the advanced laryngeal cancers, the radiation dose of the tracheostoma and spinal cord should be evaluated and be followed by an appropriate management such as a bouls or a brachytherapy boost if the dose around the tracheostoma is low.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.84-88
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• 1999

Purpose :To develop a method for verifying a treatment setup in stereotactic radiotherapy by ma- tching portal images to DRRs. Materials and Methods : Four pairs of orthogonal portal images of one patient immobilized by a thermoplastic mask frame for fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy were compared with DRRs. Portal images are obtained in AP (anteriorfposterior) and lateral directions with a target localizer box containing fiducial markers attached to a stereotactic frame. DRRs superimposed over a planned iso-center and fiducial markers are printed out on transparent films. And then, they were overlaid over onhogonal penal images by matching anatomical structures. From three different kind of objects (isgcenter, fiducial markers, anatomical structure) on DRRs and portal images, the displacement error between anatomical structure and isocenters (overall setup error), the displacement error between anatomical structure and fiducial markers (irnrnobiliBation error), and the displacement error between fiducial markers and isocenters (localization error) were measured. Results : Localization error were 1.5$\pm$0.3 mm (AP), 0.9$\pm$0.3 mm (lateral), and immobilization errors were 1.9$\pm$0.5 mm (AP), 1.9$\pm$0.4 mm (lateral). In addition, overall setup errors were 1.0$\pm$0.9 mm (AP), 1.3$\pm$0.4 mm (lateral). From these orthogonal displacement errors, maximum 3D displacement errors($\sqrt{(\DeltaAP)^{2}+(\DeltaLat)^{2}$)) were found to be 1.7$\pm$0.4 mm for localization, 2.0$\pm$0.6 mm for immobilization, and 2.3$\pm$0.7 mm for overall treatment setup. Conclusion : By comparing orthogonal portal images with DRRs, we find out that it is possible to verify treatment setup directly in stereotactic radiotherapy.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2003

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of a Linear accelerator based Photon Knife Radiosurgery System developed by the staff of Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center for the treatment of cerebral arterlovenous malformation Material and Methods : Between December 1993 and October 2000, 30 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) were treated with the Linac based Photon knife Radlosurgery System In the Department of Therapeutlc Radiology at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center. The median age was 34, ranging from 7 to 63 years, with a 2 : 1 male to female ratio. The locations of the AVM nidi were the frontal lobe (motor cortex), parletal lobe, and the thalamus, In that order. The diameters of the AVM nidi ranged 1.2 to 5.5 cm with a mean on 2.9 cm, and target volumes of between 0.5 and 20.5 cc, with a mean of 5.8 cc. The majority of patients received radiation doses of between 1,500 and 2,500 cGy, w14h a mean of 2,000 cGy, at 80% the isodose line. Twenty-five patients were treated with one isocenter, 4 with two, and 1 with four. The follow-up radiological evaluations were peformed with cranial computed tomogram (CT) or MRI between 6 month and one year interval, and if the AVM nidus had completely disappeared in the CT or MRI, we confirmed thls was a complete obliteration, with a cerebral or magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). The median iollow-up period was 39 months with a range of 10 to 103 months. Results : Twenty patients were radloiogicaiiy followed up ior over 20 months, with complete obliteration observed in 14 (70%). According to the maximal diameter, all four of the small AVM (<2 cm) completely obliterated, 8 of the 10 patients with a medium AVW (2~3 cm) showed a complete obliteration, and two showed partial obliteration. Among the patients with a large AVM (>3 cm), only one showed complete obliteration, and S showed partial obliteration, but 3 oT these underwent further radiosurgery 3 years later. One who followed up for 20 months fellowing further radiosurgery eventually showed complete obliteration. Ten patients with seizure symptoms had no recurrent seizure due to radiosurgery and medication. One of the eleven patients who suffered intracranlal bleeding developed further bleeding at 9 and 51 months fellowing the radiosurgery although complete obliteration was eventually observed and the patient was managed in hospital then recovered. No patient suffered severe complications fellowing the radiosurgery. Conclusion : The radiosurgery with Linac-based Photon knife radiosurgery system, developed by the staff at our hospital, is a safe and effective treatment for AVM patients having diameters or volumes of less than 3 cm or 10 cm$^{3}$, respectively, located In Inoperable areas or who refused neurosurgery. We suggest that staged AVM radiosurgery may initially be considered, if the AVM target volume is above 10 cm$^{3}$

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.181-188
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• 2008

Purpose: In order to enhance the efficiency of respiratory gated 4-dimensional radiation therapy for more regular and stable respiratory period and amplitude, a respiration training system was designed, and its efficacy was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The experiment was designed to measure the difference in respiration regularity following the use of a training system. A total of 11 subjects (9 volunteers and 2 patients) were included in the experiments. Three different breathing signals, including free breathing (free-breathing), guided breathing that followed training software (guided-breathing), and free breathing after the guided-breathing (post guided-breathing), were consecutively recorded in each subject. The peak-to-peak (PTP) period of the breathing signal, standard deviation (SD), peak-amplitude and its SD, area of the one cycle of the breathing wave form, and its root mean square (RMS) were measured and computed. Results: The temporal regularity was significantly improved in guided-breathing since the SD of breathing period reduced (free-breathing 0.568 vs guided-breathing 0.344, p=0.0013). The SD of the breathing period representing the post guided-breathing was also reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant (free-breathing 0.568 vs. guided-breathing 0.512, p=ns). Also the SD of measured amplitude was reduced in guided-breathing (free-breathing 1.317 vs. guided-breathing 1.068, p=0.187), although not significant. This indicated that the tidal volume for each breath was kept more even in guided-breathing compared to free-breathing. There was no change in breathing pattern between free-breathing and guided-breathing. The average area of breathing wave form and its RMS in postguided-breathing, however, was reduced by 7% and 5.9%, respectively. Conclusion: The guided-breathing was more stable and regular than the other forms of breathing data. Therefore, the developed respiratory training system was effective in improving the temporal regularity and maintaining a more even tidal volume.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.269-276
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate the effects of surgical excision followed by radiation therapy for Prevention of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Materials and Methods : From October 1987 to April 1995, radiation therapy was applied to 167 sites in 106 patients with surgical excision in an attempt to prevention of recurrence against keloids and hypertrophic scars. The main etiology of the keloids and hypertrophic scars were surgery in $49.2\%,\;trauma\;in\;25.0\%,\;ear-piercing\;in\;5.4\%,\;and\;burn\;in\;5.4\%$, The Patients' ages ranged from 3 to 70 years with a median of 32 years. Radiation therapy used ranged from 6 to 8MeV electron beam. Radiation therapy was delivered within 24 hours of surgical excision. Several dose schedules were used, varing from 400cGy in 1 daily fraction to 1900cGy in 4 daily fractions. The average total dose was 1059cGy, and the average dose per fraction was 433cGy. All patients were followed up from 24 to 114 months with a median follow up of 49 months. Results : The overall recurrence rate was $12.6\%$ (21/167) The overall 1-year and 2-year recurrence rates were $10.2\%\;and\;11.4\%$, respectively Among 21 recurrent sites, seventeen sites $(81\%)$ were confirmed within 12 months after surgical excision. Period to recurrence ranged from 1 month to 47 months with a median recurrence time of 9.6 months, The history of previous therapy was only a significant factor in recurrence. Twenty-four patients had history of previous therapy recurrence rates was significantly higher in this group than those without history of Previous therapy $(22.6\%\;vs.\;11.0\%,\;p=0.04)$. There was no serious complication related to radiation therapy. Conclusion : This study suggests that surgical excision followed by radiation therapy is an effective method of preventing keloids and hypertrophic scars.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.215-224
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• 1997

Purpose : Stereotactic radiosurgery with external beam irradiation successfully obliterates carefully selected intracranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) . We Present clinical and radiological long term results after treatment with a single high dose irradiation using a linear accelerator. Materials and Methods : Rrom January 1991 to June 1994, fifteen patients with intracranial AVM were treated in our hospital with the stereotactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator. The radiation was delivered using a 6 MV linear accelerator. The prescribed doses at the isocenter varied from 1800 to 2500cGy (median : 2000cGy) and were given as a sin91e fraction. The radiation doses at the periphery of the lesion typically corresponded to the 80-90% isodose line. In 14 patients, complete clinical and/or radiological follow-up examination were available. Results : Angiography was available in 13 patients with a follow-up Period from 18 months to 27 months. Of 13 patients, the overall complete obliteration rate was 92.3% (12 patients). This incidence did not correlate with lesion size. Seizure, headache and progressive neurologic deficit were complete recovered. One Patient experienced hemorrhage at 2 months after treatment. One patient developed radiation induced brain edema in the white matter surrounding nidus at 16 months after treatment and showed complete resolution of the edema in MR image obtained at 27 months after treatment. After a follow-up period of up to 6 years, no radiation induced severe late complications occurred. Conclusion : We conclude that stereotactic radiosurgery using a linear accelerator is an effective and safe therapy for symptomatic and surgically inaccessible intracranial AVMs and the results compare favorably to the more expensive and elaborate systems that are currently available for stereotactic radiosurgery.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2002

Purpose : X-ray film over responds to low-energy photons in relative photon beam dosimetry because its sensor is based on silver bromide crystals, which are high-Z molecules. This over-response becomes a significant problem in clinical photon beam dosimetry particularly in regions outside the penumbra. In intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the radiation field is characterized by multiple small fields and their outside-penumbra regions. Therefore, in order to use film dosimetry for IMRT, the nature the source of the over-response in its radiation field need to be known. This study is aimed to verify and possibly improve film dosimetry for IMRT. Materials and Method : Modulated beams were constructed by a combination of five or seven different static radiation fields using 6 MeV X-rays. In order to verify film dosimetry, we used X-ray film and an ion chamber were used to measure the dose profiles at various depths in a phantom. In addition, in order to reduce the over-response, 0.01 inch thick lead filters were placed on both sides of the film. Results : The measured dose profiles showed a film over-response at the outside-penumbra and low dose regions. The error increased with depths and approached 15% at a maximum for the field size of $15{\times}15cm^2$ at 10 cm depth. The use of filters reduced the error to 3%, but caused an under-response of the dose in a perpendicular set-up. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that film dosimetry for IMRT involves sources of error due to its over-response to low-energy Photons. The use of filers can enhance the accuracy in film dosimetry for IMRT. In this regard, the use of optimal filter conditions is recommended.