A Pilot Study Evaluating Minimized Time to Beam Hypofractionated IMRT with PET Assisted Target Definition in Patients with High Grade Gliomas

The aim of this pilot project is to explore the feasibility of combining a simple conformal plan (Phase I) with an IMRT treatment approach (Phase II) for high grade glioma patients with the aim of starting the RT as soon as possible following the patient's first outpatient visit (thus, minimized 'time to beam'). It is hoped that the rapid treatment start with the initial 3D CRT plan will lessen clinical deterioration due to the growth of these aggressive tumours. The use of Linac-based IMRT in Phase II of the patient's treatment plan will maintain the benefit of the sophistication of IMRT.

Using novel PET imaging we also hope to better characterize regions of glioma cells thus producing more optimized planning target volumes (PTVs) for each patient and decreasing the volume of normal brain irradiated with the aim of minimizing radiation toxicities. Hopefully this planning and treatment approach will provide an improvement in the quality of life and outcome for high grade glioma patients.