Volumetric arc therapy treatment plan dosimetry correction method to account patient weight loss during a course of radiation therapy

The effect of nutritional interventions involving dietary counselling on gastrointestinal toxicities in adults receiving pelvic radiotherapy – A systematic review

“… 28 , 32 , 35 , 36 In one study, it was unclear how DC was delivered. 34 In the studies involving contact with a dietitian, DC was administered weekly throughout RT, 19 , 25 , 28 and three studies provided DC at the start, during RT and post‐RT completion. 26 , 29 , 31 , 33 The active duration of the interventions ranged from four weeks to 26 months.…”

“…18 In VMAT prostate plans, D'Souza et al have shown that the maximum dose to the planning target volume can change by 3.7-4.1% per centimetre lost due to WL. 19 Caution must be taken in such scenarios to ensure the patient's initial treatment plan remains achievable without compromising on dose to target volumes and critical organs. 17 Although weight loss can result from GI toxicities impacting nutritional intake, only four studies assessed weight loss, with nil reporting a significant change.…”

“…17 This alteration can result in increased dose received by healthy tissues and organs at risk (OARs), thus increasing toxicity risk. [17][18][19] Changes in the body contour in excess of 1cm or more may prompt treatment replanning, requiring additional time and resources. 17 The adverse effects of treatment, such as fatigue, pain and toxicities, in addition to the mentally challenging aspect of a cancer diagnosis, can have a significant negative impact on a patient's QOL during their treatment.…”

“… 17 This alteration can result in increased dose received by healthy tissues and organs at risk (OARs), thus increasing toxicity risk. 17 , 18 , 19 Changes in the body contour in excess of 1cm or more may prompt treatment replanning, requiring additional time and resources. 17 …”