Spatially Fractionated Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

SFRT builds on CRT, administered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for 15-20 fractions, with the addition of weekly high-dose vertices of 8-15 Gy per fraction for 3-4 fractions. It employs Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT), or Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) to create a grid-like pattern of alternating high- and low-dose regions. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.

CRT is delivered at 3.0 Gy per fraction for a total of 15-20 fractions, utilizing Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) techniques, ensuring a target volume dose coverage of at least 90%. Target volume delineation includes the gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV, expanded 0.5-1.0 cm from GTV), and planning target volume (PTV, expanded 1.0 cm from CTV). Prior to each treatment session, cone-beam CT (CBCT) or kilovoltage cone-beam CT (kV-CBCT) is used for Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) to verify patient positioning.