Please select the option that best describes you:
In the modern IMRT/SBRT era, what should be the appropriate definition for the term "hot spot" in evaluating a plan?
Do people use it interchangeably with DMax or use the 2cmx2cm definition? I often get pushback from the dosimetrists for plans where the DMax is higher than desired (>110% etc.) and their argument to me is that this is merely a point dose and according to Khan textbook, a "hot spot" is considered clinically significant only if it is outside of the target and more than 2cmx2cm. However, I do not recall seeing this requirement in the recent RTOG protocols (they are mostly max/min dose or % of volume receiving Dose X etc.)
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Community Practice
The dose heterogeneity with IMRT has improved significantly over last 15 years. In past it was not unsual to see point hot spot (.03 cc) of 120% in PTV with a significant volume of PTV getting 110% or more.In modern planning with improved software and hardware usally point hotspot in majority of cas...
Sign in or Register to read more