Segmented Time Study and Optimization Strategy for Clinical Application of Ethos Online Adaptive Radiotherapy

Objective To analyze the time characteristics of the Ethos online adaptive radiation therapy (OART) process in clinical practice and provide guidance for the comprehensive optimization of each stage of adaptive radiotherapy.

Methods The study involved 61 patients with cervical, rectal, gastric, lung, esophageal, and breast cancers who underwent Ethos OART. The mean ± standard deviation of segmental times, total times, and target volumes for these patients were tracked. The time characteristics for different cancer types were evaluated, and the average time for target and organ-at-risk (OAR) modifications was compared with the average target volume for each cancer type.

Results Cervical cancer born the longest total treatment time, while breast cancer had the shortest. For all cancer types except breast cancer, the modification time for target and OAR was the most time-consuming segment. The average time for target and OAR modifications aligned with the trend of the average target volume.

Conclusion The total treatment time for various cancers ranges from 15 to 35 minutes, indicating room for improvement.