Ballroom B
Purpose: To develop an automated solution for rectal cancer 3DCRT treatments that combines deep-learning (DL) aperture predictions and forward planning algorithms.
Methods: We designed an algorithm to automate the clinical workflow for 3DCRT planning with field apertures creations and field-in-field planning. DL models(DeeplabV3+ architecture) were trained, validated, and tested on a total of 555 patients to automatically generate aperture shapes for primary (PA and Lat) and boost fields. Network inputs were DRRs, GTV, and diseased nodal GTV. A physician scored each aperture for 20 patients on a 5-point scale(>3 is acceptable). A planning algorithm was then developed to give a homogeneous dose using a combination of wedges and sub-fields. The algorithm iteratively identifies a hotspot volume, creates a subfield, calculates dose, and optimizes beam weight all without user intervention. The algorithm was tested on 20 patients using clinical apertures with different settings, and the resulting plans (4 plans/patient) were scored by a physician. The end-to-end solution was tested and scored by a physician on 39 patients using DL-generated apertures and planning algorithms.
Results: The predicted apertures had a Dice score of 0.95, 0.94, and 0.9 for PA, Lat, and boosts, respectively. 100%, 95%, and 87.5% of the PA, Lat, and boosts apertures were scored as clinically acceptable, respectively. A clinically acceptable plan was generated for all patients. Wedged and non-wedged plans were clinically acceptable for 85% and 50% of patients. The final plan hotspot dose percentage was reduced from 121±14% to 109±5% of prescription dose. The integrated end-to-end solution of automatically generated apertures and optimized field-in-field gave clinically acceptable plans for 38/39(97%) of patients. Feedback from different institutions indicated different clinical practices/criteria would require customization of the tool.
Conclusion: We have automated the clinical workflow for generating radiotherapy plans for rectal cancer for our institution.
Not Applicable / None Entered.
Not Applicable / None Entered.