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Radiation techniques for head and neck tumors
K Bratengeier1, L Pfreundner, M Flentje
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 11, D-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
Summary
This study introduces a new rotational radiation therapy technique for oro- and hypopharyngeal cancers. It improves dose homogeneity in the planning target volume (PTV) while sparing the spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Advanced oro- and hypopharyngeal carcinomas require precise radiation delivery.
- Conforming radiation techniques aim to improve dose homogeneity within the target volume.
- Lateral opposed fields are a standard technique but may have limitations in dose distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel radiation technique combining advantages of conforming methods for oro- and hypopharyngeal carcinomas.
- To enhance dose homogeneity within the target volume compared to lateral opposed fields.
- To spare the spinal cord during radiation treatment.
Main Methods:
- A rotational technique using standard linear accelerator equipment and planning software was developed.
- Static lateral wedged fields were employed to compensate for dose deficits near the spine.
- Dose distributions were planned and evaluated for 25 consecutive patients.
Main Results:
- Conforming techniques yielded more homogeneous dose distributions than lateral opposed fields.
- A standard deviation of 4.6% was achieved in the planning target volume (PTV).
- 95% of the PTV was covered by the 90% isodose, with maximal spinal cord dose limited to 45 Gy.
Conclusions:
- A rotational radiation technique, feasible with standard equipment, improves target volume dose coverage.
- The technique effectively spares the spinal cord.
- The presented method demonstrates competitive dose distributions compared to advanced techniques.