Is there an "ideal" method for abdominal motion control when treating upper abdomen malignancies?

In my training, we used an abdominal compression paddle, but in my current practice, my physicist says that we cannot treat through multiple parts of the paddle. This is especially a problem with pancreas, liver, and GE junction tumors since the paddle lies directly anterior to the field. I'm not sure if we should invest in a compression belt or just use benzodiazepines.

1 Answer

Mednet MemberInvited Expert

Radiation Oncology · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Answered on

When using doses that potentially exceed OAR tolerance (specifically luminal GI,common and main bile ducts, liver) in the upper abdomen it is important to not only have a solution for organ motion, but some form of high quality image guidance. When giving a BED of <60 Gy, there is no need to use these resources, save them for the patients that need them.

There are differing opinions opinions about which of the available options is best, because most people have one or maybe two solutions to address organ motion and do not have experience with techniques that they don't use (including myself). The most important thing is to have a solution for organ motion that you use consistently, preferably one that includes image guidance. That will enabl...

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