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Radiotherapy
Protocols
This paper version of the Radiotherapy Protocols is only valid during 2010.
This will be progressively superceded by electronic dated individual sections
which will be complete for 2011.
This Protocol Book sets out to define standard protocol based treatments. The format
is designed to comply with the 2010 Department of Health Manual for Cancer
Services Radiotherapy Measures. Under these measures we are required to maintain a
list of acceptable treatment protocols, including palliative treatment, for all
radiotherapy modalities used which specifies for each protocol at least the following:
The clinical indication
The modality
The tumour localisation and planning technique
Dose/fractionation and overall treatment time relevant to the modality
The treatment and immobilisation equipment and immobilisation
technique
Any restrictions regarding which department in the network are
authorised to deliver the protocol or parts of the protocol, e.g. planning
The conditions governing retreatment and the dose/fractionation and
overall treatment time which then applies
Where possible local standards are chosen to comply with national and internationally
defined standards and the Department of Health quality measures as follows:
Category status
This follows the Royal College of Radiologists Guidelines for defining categories of
patients.
(see The Timely Delivery of Radical Radiotherapy: standards and guidelines for the
management of unscheduled treatment interruptions; Third Edition 2008).
Definition of GTV and PTV
The measures also require that each department specifies the relationship between
PTV and CTV in a documented procedure. Where appropriate we have chosen to
incorporate this information into our standard protocols. This follows ICRU
definitions and is defined individually by each TSG for the techniques described
taking into account the tumour biology, local (CCO) generic immobilisation
techniques and planning tolerances.
(see appendix – immobilisation techniques and treatment setup variations).
Dose and fractionation
This is in accordance with Royal College of Radiologists Guidance on Radiotherapy
Dose-Fractionation June 2006. Each protocol should conform to the current RCR
Grade A recommendations. Lower grade recommendations may be included at local
discretion of the network.
Critical Structure Tolerance & Acute/Late effects
This is approved by the CCO tumour groups and as defined in peer reviewed clinical
trials
(see appendices – ‘Critical Structure Tolerances’ and ‘Acute/Late Effects definition’).
References
References are included where they are available. A comment is made on the level of
evidence for dose fractionation regimes as defined by RCR guidelines.
The document is also intended to better define those treatments that we at CCO
consider to be ‘standard protocol’ as opposed to ‘non-protocol’. Non-protocol
treatments include those cases where a technique is used to address a “one-off”
clinical need. In this situation a concession is required for treatment subject to its
clinical justification. They also include those techniques that are still under
development and are undergoing a planned assessment/implementation. These are
listed in the development project framework and referenced separately as appendices.
The final decision regarding the clinical use of a technique either under concession or
as part of a development project rests with the Clinical Director for Radiotherapy.
The protocol book will initially be available in paper form, dated ‘2010’. It can be
accessed electronically via the ISO9000 directory, CCOCOMMS or the Intranet. It is
intended to improve the electronic accessibility of individual protocols encouraging
their use as a valuable reference. The protocols are approved annually by the
appropriate Tumour Specific Group and when only available electronically, it will be
possible to update protocols more frequently in response to changes in our knowledge
base. It is intended that the electronic version of the protocols will replace the paper
version by 2011. The format and lay out of the index has been chosen to facilitate this
transition.
Contents
Breast
Breast + SCF/Chest Wall + SCF (+/- Axilla)............................................... 6
Breast Boost................................................................................................. 8
Breast/Chest Wall Only................................................................................ 9
Breast/Chest Wall and Axilla (modified monobloc).................................... 10
CNS
Acoustic Neuroma........................................................................................ 11
Brain Metastases (Isolated).......................................................................... 12
Brain Metastases (Multiple)......................................................................... 13
Ependymoma................................................................................................ 14
Glioma (High Grade)................................................................................... 15
Glioma (Low Grade)................................................................................... 16
Malignant Spinal Cord Compression........................................................... 17
Meningioma.................................................................................................. 18
Optic Nerve Glioma – Under Development – Requires Concession .......... 19
Orbital Tumours........................................................................................... 20
Pituitary........................................................................................................ 21
Primary CNS Lymphoma............................................................................. 22
Gastrointestinal
Anal Canal/Anal Margin............................................................................... 23
Oesophagus - Palliative................................................................................. 25
Oesophagus – Radical................................................................................... 26
Pancreas – Under Development – Requires Concession.............................. 28
Rectum.......................................................................................................... 29
Stomach......................................................................................................... 31
Gastrourinary
Bladder.......................................................................................................... 32
Penis............................................................................................................. 33
Prostate......................................................................................................... 34
Testicular...................................................................................................... 38
Gynaecological
Cervix............................................................................................................ 39
Endometrium................................................................................................ 40
Ovary............................................................................................................ 41
Vagina........................................................................................................... 42
Vulva............................................................................................................. 43
Lung
Mesothelioma............................................................................................. 71
Non-Small Cell Lung.................................................................................. 72
Small Cell Lung.......................................................................................... 74
Lymphoma
Hodgkins..................................................................................................... 75
Non-Hodgkins............................................................................................. 76
Spleen.......................................................................................................... 78
Paediatric............................................................................................................... 79
Skin
Melanoma.................................................................................................... 80
Merkell Cell................................................................................................. 81
Non-Melanoma............................................................................................ 82
Other
Bone Metastases......................................................................................... 83
Soft Tissue Sarcoma.................................................................................... 84
Total Body Irradiation................................................................................ 85
Critical structures Heart-distance of post edge of field to ant border of heart to be < 1.5cm.
Lungs- central lung distance for tangential fields not normally >2cm.
Hot spots > than 105% should be avoided in the skin and ribcage.
6. Special instructions Digital photograph to record field for electron mark up.
7. Clinical Trials and None at present
References
Critical structures Heart-distance of post edge of field to ant border of heart to be < 1.5cm.
Lungs-central lung distance for tangential fields not normally >2cm.
Hot spots of >105% should be avoided in the skin and ribcage
5. Dose and 40Gy in 15 daily fractions (Grade B) 50Gy in 25 daily fractions (Grade B)
Fractionation 45Gy in 20 daily fractions
6. Special instructions Attendance at Breast Care Class as per CCO Breast Care Class Standard
Referral to Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist Service at CCO in accordance
with CReST referral criteria
Provide patient with ‘Radiotherapy to the Breast’ information leaflet
7. Clinical Trials and Breast Only: IMPORT LOW/ IMPORT HIGH/ PRIME
References Chest Wall Only: SUPREMO
4. Volume Definition and GTV = Whole cranium, inferior border Reids line = 50% of iso dose
Critical Structures Eyes
5. Dose and WBRT
Fractionation 1. Uncontrolled peripheral disease and multiple mets – 20Gy / 5# / 5days
(Grade A)
1a. Major co-morbidities – 12Gy / 2# / 1week (Grade B)
2. Controlled peripheral disease (prognosis >6/12 – 30Gy / 10# / 2weeks)
or if considering SRS and post excision of sol met.
6. Special Instructions Consider Dexamethasane
TLD eyes
In very palliative cases avoid eyebrows
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) – Dose-Fractionation 2006
Critical Structures
Brain stem – contralateral >50-60% of total dose
Eyes/ lens - >5Gy, retina <40Gy, pituitary gland, ear,
optic chasm/nerves/brain stem – No >107% of 55gy
5. Dose and 50.4Gy / 28# / 5½ weeks
Fractionation 54Gy / 30# - poor prognosis eg enhancement imaging - indicates “high”
grade
6. Special Instructions Provide ‘Radiotherapy to the Brain’ information leaflet.
2. Planning technique Single posterior field (under couch) or lateral fields possible for cervical
cord
Occasionally ant/post if bulky anterior disease
Including one vertebra either side of MRI (or good quality CT) abnormality
8 to 9cm wide (cervical-lumbar) with extension to cover lateral disease
Prescribe at 5-8cm depending on particular level of cord (cervical-lumbar)
– measured on MRI/CT.
3. Immobilisation Simple immobilisation
method Mattress used for comfort
4. Volume definition and
critical structures
5. Dose and Good prognosis, i.e. patients presenting with good performance status:
Fractionation either ambulant or with only a short history (< 24 hours) of immobility
20Gy / 5# / 5days (RCR Grade C )
30Gy / 10# / 2weeks (RCR Grade C)
Poor Prognosis, i.e. patients expected to live < 6 months and who have a
poor chance of neurological recovery. In practice this group includes those
with established paraplegia for more than 24 hours. Main aim of treatment
is relief of pain
8Gy / 1# (RCR Grade C)
6. Special Instructions Nurse flat until after ½ of treatment
Dexamethasone 16mg daily initially, reduce over 5-7 days then stop (NICE
clinical guidance 75, Nov 2008)
Critical structures Eyes, optic nerves and chiasm, pituitary, brain stem
5. Dose and Benign - 54Gy / 30# / 6weeks
Fractionation Atypical/Malignant (Grade II or III) - 60Gy / 30# / 6weeks (if optic
nerve/chiasm not involved)
6. Special instructions TLD eyes if beam is near eyes
2. Planning technique
3. Immobilisation
method
5. Dose and
Fractionation
6. Special instructions
7. Clinical Trials and NB. Other orbital tumours eg uveal melanoma – consider protons
References
4. Volume definition and Helmet – whole head down to C2 (optional phase II boost if primary seen
Critical Structures to be localised)
Whole CNS standard technique as per TWJSPCNS
5. Dose and Phase I (helmet) – 45Gy / 25# / 5weeks
Fractionation Phase II (primary lesion + 20mm margin) – 9Gy / 5# / 1week
Whole CNS – 35Gy / 21#
Posterior fossa boost – 20Gy / 12# / 2.5weeks
6. Special Instructions See also specialist planning technique instructions
4. Volume definition GTV = gross primary disease / area of bulk disease causing symptoms
CTV = GTV + 1cm in all directions at discretion of clinician to take
account of total volume + condition of patient
PTV = CTV + 1cm
Lungs – V20, Spinal cord <80% (40Gy) , Kidneys, heart v80% (v40Gy)
<30% - see SCOPE I trial
5. Dose and Primary chemoradiotherapy – As per SCOPE I trial
Fractionation 50Gy / 25# / 5weeks – with neoadjuvant and concurrent Cisplatin +
Capecitabine or 5FU (Grade B)
MODIFIED RADICAL – For small localised tumours in elderly or frail
patients unfit for true radical treatment or chemotherapy – 40Gy / 15# /
3weeks – boost to compensate for lack of chemo with HDR brachy boost
(10Gy to 1cm from central axis) within 7 days of XRT.
Some poor performance status patients but with good cardiac and renal
function may be considered for 40Gy / 15# / 3weeks + 1 cycle concurrent
Cisplatin/5FU in week 1. Ref: Walsh.
6. Special Instructions 2x weekly weight
and Dietician referral
Provide ‘Radiotherapy to the Oesophagus’ information leaflet
Follow-up 4/52; 3/12 for 1year then 6/12 for 5years.
2. Planning technique
3. Immobilisation
method
7. Clinical Trials and MacDonald et al, N Engl J Med. 2002 Jan 17;346(3):210-1.
References
Critical structures Small bowel and rectum. Use dose volume constraints as for prostate if
problematic
2. Planning Technique Laterally opposed fields, 100SSD with wax block and wax plug.
3. Immobilisation Wax block and wax plug encasing penis fastened to immobilise.
Method Supine.
4. Volume Definition and Clinically assessed dependent on tumour and patient anatomy.
Critical Structures Ensure penis is held away from the abdomen by wax collar in wax block.
5. Dose and 50-55Gy /20#/ 28days - midplane
Fractionation
Moderate risk:
GTV1 = CTV1 = Prostate and base of Seminal Vesicles
GTV2 = CTV2 = Prostate and Seminal Vesicles
No Fiducial Markers Fiducial Markers and daily IGRT
PTV1 CTV1 + 5mm CTV1 + 3mm
PTV2 CTV2 + 10mm CTV2 + 6mm
High risk:
Consider Pelvic Lymph Node RT in fit patients; otherwise treat as per
moderate risk group.
GTV1 = CTV1 = Prostate and base of Seminal Vesicles
GTV2 = CTV2 = Prostate and Seminal Vesicles
GTV3 = CTV3 = Pelvic Lymph Nodes
PTV1 CTV1 +5mm
PTV2 CTV2 +10mm
PTV3 CTV3 +5mm
Postoperative:
GTV = CTV = Prostatic bed including ureteric resection, base of Bladder
and Seminal Vesicles
PTV CTV + 10mm
Critical structures Rectum: Outlined 10mm above and below PTV (Prostate and Seminal
Vesicles)
Small Bowel (if within 1cm of PTV): Outlined 10mm beyond any PTV
Bladder
Femoral Heads
The Dose Constraints to Critical Structures are based on the CHHIP trial.
Rectum
Dose For % of total dose Relative max Volume (%)
74/37 72/32
50.3 47.6 68% 60%
60.0 56.7 81% 50%
65.1 61.6 88% 30%
70.3 66.5 95% 15%
74.0 72.0 100% 3%
Bladder
Dose For % of total dose Relative max Volume (%)
74/37 72/32
50.3 47.6 68% 60%
60.0 56.7 81% 25%
74.0 72.0 100% 5%
Small bowel
Dose For % of total dose Relative max Volume (%)
74/37 72/32
45.1 42.1 61% 78cc
50.3 47.6 68% 17cc
54.7 51.8 74% 14cc
60.0 56.7 81% 1cc
65.1 61.6 88% none
Femoral head
Dose For % of total dose Relative max Volume (%)
74/37 72/32
50.3 47.6 68% 50%
Postoperative: 66 Gy in 33 fractions
6. Special instructions Provide patient with ‘Radiotherapy to the Prostate’ and ‘Patients receiving
radiotherapy to the prostate – preparation for planning and treatment’
information leaflets
Tamsulosin for obstructive bladder symptoms,
4. Volume definition and Stage I with no risk factors: para-aortic node from D10/11 to L5/S1
Critical structures Stage I with risk factors para-aortic and ipsilateral pelvic nodes : D10/11 to
ipsilateral groin
Stage II A/B or residual disease post chemo: define nodes on CT scan
5. Dose and Stage I with no risk factors for pelvic node disease
Fractionation POP 20Gy / 10# / 2weeks
Stage I and Stage IIA or IIB seminoma with risk of pelvic node disease
30Gy / 15# / 3weeks
6. Special instructions Radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for stage I seminoma is only used if
there is a contraindication for adjuvant single agent carboplatin
4. Volume definition and GTV primary disease identified using clinical examination/EUA/imaging
CTV depends upon position of tumour, as differing lymphatic drainage
lower 1/3 vagina to include whole vagina and inguinal nodes
middle and upper vagina to include whole vagina, internal, external and
common iliac nodes
2. Planning technique Radio-opaque marker is used to define extent of palpable disease and
lymph nodes.
AP POP or direct field in case of primary disease when no need to treat
nodes.
3. Immobilisation Supine, arms across chest with comfortably full bladder
method
4. Volume definition and Radical Treatment
Critical structures Initial volume – gross tumour and sites of potential microscopic disease
Usually parallel opposed fields
Superior border – 2cm above inferior border of SI joint
Inferior border – 2cm below inferior extend of disease
Lateral border – include all of femoral neck
Fields can be weighted anteriorly to improve dose distribution
Electrons can be used to treat groin nodes
Adjuvant Treatment – Positive Groin Nodes
Fields as for radical treatment but shield vulva if possible ie clear margins
Inguinal nodes – inferior border 2cm inferior to lesser trochanter
Close or +ve margins with –ve groin nodes
Treat tumour bed with 2cm margin
Nodal areas not treated
Un-dissected Groin
When using electrons CT/MRI images are helpful in choosing appropriate
energy.
Palliative Volume
Small fields to cover gross tumour and margin
4. Volume definition and Dependent upon EUA findings and MRI scans with an adequate margin
Critical Structures
5. Dose and Phase 1: 40-46Gy / 20-23#
Fractionation Phase 2: 18-20Gy / 9-10#
Total – 60-64Gy / 30-32# / 6weeks
6. Special Instructions Usually chemo radiation unless post op
4. Volume definition and CTV = only macroscopic disease with 2cm margin
Critical Structures
5. Dose and T1 or T2
Fractionation 55Gy/20# /28days (Grade C)
66Gy / 33# / 47days (Grade B)
T3 or T4
Total: 65Gy / 30# / 6weeks - Phase 1: 43Gy / 20# - Phase 2: 22Gy / 10#
(Grade A)
Total: 66-70Gy / 33-35# = 6.5-7weeks - Phase 1: 44Gy / 22# - Phase 2:
22Gy / 11# (Grade A)
Post electron boost: 10Gy / 5#
16Gy / 8# (involved ipsilateral neck +ve)
6. Special Instructions To be weighed weekly
Referral to CNS and/or dietician as appropriate
Provide ‘Radiotherapy to the Head or Neck’ information leaflet
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References
5. Dose and Total: 63Gy / 30# / 6weeks - Phase 1: 42Gy / 20# - Phase 2: 21Gy / 10#
Fractionation Total: 64Gy / 32# / 6.5weeks - Phase 1: 56Gy / 28# - Phase 2: 8Gy / 4#
(Grade B)
Total: 65Gy / 30# / 6weeks - Phase 1: 43Gy / 20# - Phase 2: 22Gy / 10#
(Grade B)
Total: 70Gy / 35# / 7weeks- Phase 1: 44-46Gy / 22-23# - Phase 2: 20-22Gy
/ 10-11# (Grade A)
Anterior spilt field: 50Gy / 25# / 5weeks
Post electron boost: 10Gy / 5#
16Gy / 8#
6. Special Instructions To be weighed weekly
Referral to CNS and/or dietician as appropriate
Provide ‘Radiotherapy to the Head or Neck’ information leaflet
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References
Critical Structures Optic nerves, chiasm, brain stem, retina and lens.
5. Dose and Total: 64-70Gy / 32-35Gy / 6.5weeks - Phase 1: 44-46Gy / 22-23# - Phase
Fractionation 2: 20-22Gy / 10-11#
NB – dose may need to be reduced to respect tolerance of critical normal
tissues
6. Special Instructions The dose is biased from the anterior field with a weighting of 2 or 3:1.
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References
2. Planning technique Chemo-radiation: Used for stage III/IV patients (1987 UICC) using the
intergroup regime
CT planning is required with MR fusion for image registration.
Delineate targets and organs at risk (OAR)
3. Immobilisation Perspex shell
method
2. Planning technique Isocentric lateral opposed pair – depending upon disease extent an anterior
split field may be added
2. Planning technique Isocentric wedge pair – depending upon nodal status a half anterior split
field may be added
Isocentric lateral opposed pair – depending upon nodal status an anterior
split field may be added
3. Immobilisation Perspex shell
method
4. Volume definition and Isocentric wedge pair fields phase 1 treatment volume
Critical Structures Superior – 2cm above tumour or 1cm beyond graft
Inferior – hyoid
Medially – depends on extend of tumour
Anteriorly – 2cm above tumour or 1cm beyond graft
Posteriorly – to include spinous process of C2
Isocentric parallel opposed fields phase 1 treatment volume
Superior – 2cm above tumour or 1cm beyond graft
Inferior – hyoid
Anteriorly – 2cm above tumour or 1cm beyond graft
Posteriorly – to include spinous process of C2
If nodes present add anterior split
Superior – to match lower border of lateral fields
Inferior – to include heads of the clavicles
Lateral – to include medial ⅔ of clavicle
Medial – lateral edge of vertebral bodies
If nodes present – phase 2 treatment volume: Reduced off cord
Add electron adjacent fields to boost area overlying cord
2. Planning technique Isocentric lateral opposed pair – for lesions at or crossing midline.
Depending upon disease extent an anterior split field may be added.
3. Immobilisation Mouth bite, Perspex shell
method
4. Volume definition and Phase 1:
Critical structures Superior – through mouth bite
Inferior – Hyoid
Anteriorly – to include palpable disease with a 2cm margin
Posteriorly – to include anterior ⅔ of vertebral goodies or to include
spinous process of C2
If nodes present add anterior split field
Superior – to match lower border of lateral fields
Inferior – to include heads of the clavicals
Lateral – to include medial ⅔ of clavicles
If nodes present phase 2 treatment volume: Reduced off cord – electron
adjacent fields may be used depending upon nodal disease status
5. Dose and Total: 50-55Gy / 20# / 4weeks
Fractionation Total: 60-77Gy / 33-35# / 6-7weeks - Phase 1: 44-46Gy / 22-23# - Phase 2:
20-24Gy / 10-13# (Grade A)
Post RT to a total dose of 60-64Gy / 30-32# / 6weeks in one or two phases
Anterior split field: 50Gy / 25# / 5weeks
40.5Gy / 15# / 3weeks
Post Electron Boost: 10Gy / 5# (non-involved contralateral neck +ve)
16Gy / 8# (involved ipsilateral neck +ve)
6. Special Instructions To be weighed weekly
Referral to CNS and/or dietician as appropriate
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References
2. Planning technique Isocentric lateral opposed pair – depending upon disease extent an anterior
split field may be added
Isocentric right-angled wedge pair – depending upon nodal status a half
anterior split field may be added
3. Immobilisation Perspex shell
method
4. Volume definition and Lateral fields phase 1 treatment volume
Critical Structures Superior - Zygomatic arch
Inferior – hyoid
Anteriorly – 2cm anterior to tumour
Posteriorly – spinous process of C2
Phase 2 treatment volume if nodes present: Reduced off cord – electron
adjacent fields may be used depending upon nodal disease status
Wedge pair phase 1 treatment volume
Superior – Zygomatic arch
Inferior – hyoid
Anteriorly – 2cm anterior to tumour
Posteriorly – centre of vertebral bodies
Medially – midline to 2cm beyond midline
Phase 2 treatment volume
Primary disease only
If nodes present add anterior split field
Superior – to match lower border of upper fields
Inferior – to include heads of the clavicles
Lateral – to include medial ⅔ of clavicles
Medial – lateral edge of vertebral bodies
2. Planning technique Isocentric lateral opposed pair – depending upon disease extent an anterior
split field may be added
Isocentric anterior and posterior oblique wedge pair – depending upon
nodal status a half anterior split field may be added.
3. Immobilisation Perspex shell
method
4. Volume definition and Wedge Pair Phase I treatment volume
Critical Structures Superior – top of the hard palate
Inferior – bottom of the hyoid bone
Anteriorly – middle ⅓ of the tongue
Posteriorly – just in front of the spinal cord
Medially – midline of palate
Phase 2 treatment volume
Primary disease only
Lateral opposed fields Phase I treatment volume
Superior – top of the hard palate
Inferior – bottom of the hyoid bone
Anteriorly – middle ⅓ of the tongue
Posteriorly – to include spinous process of C2
Phase 2 treatment volume if nodes present: Reduced off cord – electron
adjacent fields may be used depending upon nodal disease status
If nodes present add anterior split field
Superior – to match lower border of upper fields
Inferior – to include heads of the clavicles
Lateral – to include medial ⅔ of clavicles
Medial – lateral edge of vertebral bodies
5. Dose and Total: 63Gy / 30# / 6weeks - Phase 1: 42Gy / 20# - Phase 2: 21Gy / 10#
Fractionation Total: 66Gy / 33# / 6.5weeks - Phase 1: 44Gy / 22# - Phase 2: 22Gy / 11#
(Grade A)
Anterior split field: 50Gy / 25# / 5weeks
40.5Gy / 15# / 3weeks
Post Electron Boost: 10Gy / 5#
16Gy / 8#
6. Special Instructions To be weighed weekly
Referral to CNS and/or dietician as appropriate
Provide ‘Radiotherapy to the Head or Neck’ information leaflet
7. Clinical Trials and None at present.
References
Paediatric
Mesothelioma
Prostate