Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis, often managed with radiotherapy. Two primary modalities, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), differ in their precision and impact on survival, side e...

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Main Authors: Omar Freihat, David Sipos, Reham Kotb, Maria Aamir, Dóra Solymosi, Kristóf Gál, Simon Mihály, Arpad Kovacs
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Physics
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2025.1632620/full
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author Omar Freihat
David Sipos
Reham Kotb
Maria Aamir
Dóra Solymosi
Kristóf Gál
Simon Mihály
Arpad Kovacs
author_facet Omar Freihat
David Sipos
Reham Kotb
Maria Aamir
Dóra Solymosi
Kristóf Gál
Simon Mihály
Arpad Kovacs
author_sort Omar Freihat
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis, often managed with radiotherapy. Two primary modalities, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), differ in their precision and impact on survival, side effects, and OAR sparing. However, their comparative benefits remain unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates 3D-CRT and IMRT in GBM treatment, focusing on dosimetric parameters, toxicity, and OAR sparing, with an exploratory analysis of overall survival (OS).MethodsA systematic review of 19 studies was conducted, comparing dosimetric and side effects, including planning target volume (PTV) doses (Dmean, Dmax, and Dmin), conformity and homogeneity indices, and OAR sparing.ResultsIMRT provided significant dosimetric advantages, with higher PTV Dmean (mean difference (MD) 1.26 Gy; 95% CI: 0.22–2.31; P = 0.02) and better conformity index (MD −0.21; 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.08; P = 0.001). IMRT significantly reduced doses to healthy brain (MD −1.08 Gy; 95% CI: −2.08 to −0.09; P = 0.03), brainstem (MD −0.66 Gy; 95% CI: −1.18 to −0.15; P = 0.01), optic chiasm (MD −4.93 Gy; 95% CI: −9.15 to −0.70; P = 0.02), right optic nerve (MD -5.82 Gy; 95% CI: −9.49 to −2.15; P = 0.002), and left optic nerve (MD −1.20 Gy; 95% CI: −1.77 to −0.63; P < 0.0001).ConclusionIMRT provides significant dosimetric benefits and potentially lower toxicity compared to 3D-CRT in GBM treatment. While an exploratory analysis suggests a possible OS benefit, this requires cautious interpretation due to study limitations. IMRT’s precision supports its use in GBM treatment.
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spelling doaj-art-c54b23dcc04d4acbbaaa569d5e6f3c652025-08-20T03:59:40ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physics2296-424X2025-08-011310.3389/fphy.2025.16326201632620Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysisOmar Freihat0David Sipos1Reham Kotb2Maria Aamir3Dóra Solymosi4Kristóf Gál5Simon Mihály6Arpad Kovacs7Department of public health, Faculty of health science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, HungaryDepartment of public health, Faculty of health science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of public health, Faculty of health science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Oncoradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HungaryDepartment of Oncoradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HungaryDepartment of Oncoradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HungaryDepartment of Oncoradiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, HungaryBackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis, often managed with radiotherapy. Two primary modalities, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), differ in their precision and impact on survival, side effects, and OAR sparing. However, their comparative benefits remain unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates 3D-CRT and IMRT in GBM treatment, focusing on dosimetric parameters, toxicity, and OAR sparing, with an exploratory analysis of overall survival (OS).MethodsA systematic review of 19 studies was conducted, comparing dosimetric and side effects, including planning target volume (PTV) doses (Dmean, Dmax, and Dmin), conformity and homogeneity indices, and OAR sparing.ResultsIMRT provided significant dosimetric advantages, with higher PTV Dmean (mean difference (MD) 1.26 Gy; 95% CI: 0.22–2.31; P = 0.02) and better conformity index (MD −0.21; 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.08; P = 0.001). IMRT significantly reduced doses to healthy brain (MD −1.08 Gy; 95% CI: −2.08 to −0.09; P = 0.03), brainstem (MD −0.66 Gy; 95% CI: −1.18 to −0.15; P = 0.01), optic chiasm (MD −4.93 Gy; 95% CI: −9.15 to −0.70; P = 0.02), right optic nerve (MD -5.82 Gy; 95% CI: −9.49 to −2.15; P = 0.002), and left optic nerve (MD −1.20 Gy; 95% CI: −1.77 to −0.63; P < 0.0001).ConclusionIMRT provides significant dosimetric benefits and potentially lower toxicity compared to 3D-CRT in GBM treatment. While an exploratory analysis suggests a possible OS benefit, this requires cautious interpretation due to study limitations. IMRT’s precision supports its use in GBM treatment.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2025.1632620/fullglioblastoma multiforme (GBM)intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT)overall survival (OS)organs at risk glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)dosimetry
spellingShingle Omar Freihat
David Sipos
Reham Kotb
Maria Aamir
Dóra Solymosi
Kristóf Gál
Simon Mihály
Arpad Kovacs
Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Physics
glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT)
overall survival (OS)
organs at risk glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
dosimetry
title Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Three-dimensional conformal therapy vs. intensity modulated radiation therapy in GBM: survival, dosimetry, and side effects a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort three dimensional conformal therapy vs intensity modulated radiation therapy in gbm survival dosimetry and side effects a systematic review and meta analysis
topic glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT)
overall survival (OS)
organs at risk glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
dosimetry
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2025.1632620/full
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