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Forward feeding a RapidPlan model through a thresholding selection based on APQM% is proven to produce equal or better results than a model based on a manually and iteratively refined population. A tighter APQM% threshold turns approximately into a higher average quality of plans generated with RapidPlan. A trade-off must be found between the mean quality of the KBP library and its numerosity. The proposed KBP feeding method helps the KBP user, because it makes the model refinement more intuitive and less time consuming.

Purpose: A recently introduced commercial tool is tested to assess whether it is able to reduce the complexity of a treatment plan and improve deliverability without compromising overall quality. Methods: Ten prostate and ten oropharynx plans of previously treated patients were reoptimized using the aperture shape controller (ASC) tool recently introduced in Eclipse TPS (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). The performance of ASC was assessed in terms of the overall plan quality using a plan quality metric, the reduction in plan complexity through the analysis of 14 of the most common plan complexity metrics, and the change in plan deliverability through 3D dosimetric measurements. Similarly, plans optimized limiting the total number of delivered monitor units was assessed and compared. The two strategies were also combined to assess their potential combination. Results: The plans optimized by exploiting the ASC generally show a reduced number of total Monitor Units, a more constant gantry rotation and a MLC modulation characterized by larger and less complicated shapes with leaves traveling shorter overall lengths. Conclusions: This first experience suggests that the ASC is an effective tool to reduce the unnecessary complexity of a plan. This turns into an increased plan deliverability with no loss of plan quality. K E Y W O R D S aperture shape controller, complexity metrics, MLC, plan complexity, plan quality metric, treatment planning 1 | INTRODUCTION Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is nowadays the standard treatment technique in high-quality radiation therapy delivered with clinical LINACs. The rapid dose fall-off outside target boundaries grants highly conformed dose distributions and near-optimal sparing of surrounding critical structures. Volumetric modulated arc therapy has generally replaced intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) because of the shorter treatment time obtained through the simultaneous variation of gantry speed, dose rate and MLC position. 1,2 Moreover, VMAT tends to use fewer monitor units (MU) per fraction than IMRT and thus reduces the burden of second malignancies. 3-5