Improving the Quality of Radiotherapy by Multi-Institution Knowledge-Based Planning Optimization Models (Acronym: MIKAPOCo, Multi-Institutional Knowledge-based Approach in Plan Optimization for the Community)

Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer

Investigators central hypothesis is that it is possible to create libraries of consistent Knowledge-Based plan-models derived from large Institutional experiences. These libraries can be used to guide automated RT planning and serve as tools to assist centers for plan quality assurance (QA) and plan prediction. Quantifying Inter-institute variability of RT planning and building libraries of interchangeable and validated multi-Institutional KB plan prediction models is expected to impact on the quality of planning at the national level. The project has the potential of facilitating the introduction of AI approaches in plan optimization, thus reducing intra and inter-Institute planning variability. Improving plan quality is expected to translate into better outcome after RT in terms of local control and, even more, of side effects and Quality of life. Positive impact is also expected in patient selection for advanced techniques, in plan audit and plan optimization in clinical trials, in technology comparison and cost-benefit analyses as well as in the RT educational field.

Major aims 1. To create libraries of consistently generated KB models for patients treated with RT for breast and prostate cancer and for selected stereotactic-body RT (SBRT) applications based on the experience of many Italian Institutions; to quantify planning inter-institute variability in homogeneous classes of patients. 2. To group models based on their characteristics and interchangeability. To assess groups of highly interchangeable models to be considered for multi-institutional dose-volume histogram (DVH) prediction purposes.

Italy