Automation of dose metrics evaluation in the vertebrae of children irradiated for neuroblastoma

Introduction. In this study, a script was developed with the objective of extending the methods of quantitative treatment plan evaluation with automatic analysis of selected conformity metrics in children irradiated for sympathetic neuroblastoma in accordance with the guidelines for the HR-NBL2 protocol. Material and methods. The script was developed using the Eclipse Scripting API (ESAPI) in C# and runs in the Varian Eclipse treatment planning environment. Results. The script analyses dose metrics in target areas and, above all, in the vertebrae constituting the organ at risk, taking into account the patient’s age, and presents the results in a user-friendly interface. It facilitates and makes the treatment plan evaluation and approval process more straightforward and objective, thereby unifying the work of physicists and physicians and improving the quality of plan evaluation and potentially the quality of the plan. Conclusions. The presented script is a simple and effective tool with a high degree of clarity to support the evaluation of radiotherapy plans for children with neuroblastoma, in accordance with the QUARTET recommendations for the HR-NBL2 protocol.