# Dosimetric benefits of half-field arc in prostate cancer treatment

## TL;DR

This study shows that the Half-Field Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy technique offers better dose control and reduced organ exposure for prostate cancer treatment compared to other methods.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates the Half-Field technique as a novel approach combining precision and efficiency in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

## Key findings

- Half-Field plans showed better dose homogeneity than Full-Field plans.
- Bladder and rectum doses were significantly reduced in Half-Field compared to Full-Field.
- Half-Field required fewer monitor units than Intensity-Modulated techniques, reducing treatment complexity.

## Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the dosimetric advantages and clinical feasibility of the Half-Field Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy technique in comparison to conventional Full-Field Arc Therapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. 120 Treatment plans were created for 24 prostate cancer patients using Half-Field, Full-Field, and Intensity Modulated static fields (5-, 7-, and 9-fields). The dosimetric parameters and the homogeneity index were evaluated for the different Planning Target Volumes included pelvic lymph nodes, seminal vesicles, and prostate. Additionally, the dose burden to organs at risk was assessed. The efficiency of the plans was analyzed based on monitor unit usage and the gamma index. Half-Field plans exhibited comparable target coverage to static fields while demonstrating superior homogeneity in comparison to Full-Field plans. This technique resulted in a significant reduction in bladder and rectum doses within the mid- and high-dose ranges, with a V30 for the bladder of 67.8% in Half-Field compared to 75.3% in Full-Field (p < 0.001). The Half-Field technique required a significantly fewer monitor units than the Intensitiy-Modulated technique (600.8 vs. 1172.7 for 5-field, p < 0.001) resulting in a notable reduction in treatment. Half-Field represents an effective combination of the dosimetric precision of static Intensity Modulated fields with the efficiency of Full-Field arc therapy, offering a promising alternative for prostate cancer treatment. The technique ensures reduced organ at risks doses, enhanced treatment homogeneity and lower complexity, making it a viable option for moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy protocols.

The Half-Field plan provides better dose homogeneity than the Full-Field plan.Half-Field plans reduce bladder and rectum doses in the mid- and high-dose ranges.This technique requires fewer monitor units than the Intensity-Modulated technique.The half-field technique allows fast and precise treatment.

The Half-Field plan provides better dose homogeneity than the Full-Field plan.

Half-Field plans reduce bladder and rectum doses in the mid- and high-dose ranges.

This technique requires fewer monitor units than the Intensity-Modulated technique.

The half-field technique allows fast and precise treatment.