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[Selection and delineation of lymph node target volumes in head and neck neoplasms]
V Grégoire1, J F Daisne, C Bauvois
1Clinique de cancérologie cervico-maxillo-faciale, université catholique de Louvain, hôpital universitaire Saint-Luc, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgique. gregoire@rbnt.ucl.ac.be
Abstract:
This article reviews all clinical and pathological data available in the literature supporting the concept of selectivity in the neck nodes to be included in the Clinical Target Volume for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Using the terminology of neck node levels and the guidelines for the surgical delineation of these levels proposed by the Committee for Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology of the American Academy for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, recommendations are proposed for both the selection and the delineation of lymph node target volumes.
Insights
This review clarifies which neck nodes are crucial for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment planning. It provides guidelines for accurately defining these lymph node target volumes in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Surgical Pathology
Context:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) management requires precise definition of lymph node target volumes for effective treatment.
- Accurate delineation of lymph node regions is critical for optimizing radiation therapy and minimizing side effects.
- Existing guidelines for neck node dissection and target volume delineation vary, necessitating standardized recommendations.
Purpose:
- To review clinical and pathological data supporting selective lymph node inclusion in the Clinical Target Volume (CTV) for HNSCC.
- To propose recommendations for the selection and delineation of lymph node target volumes based on established neck node level terminology.
- To provide a framework for consistent CTV delineation in HNSCC radiotherapy.
Summary:
- This article synthesitsizes existing literature on the concept of selectivity for lymph node inclusion in the CTV for HNSCC.
- It applies the American Academy for Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's neck node level guidelines to CTV delineation.
- Recommendations are provided for selecting and delineating lymph node target volumes in HNSCC.
Impact:
- Standardized CTV delineation can improve treatment consistency and efficacy in HNSCC.
- Clear guidelines may reduce geographic misses and improve patient outcomes.
- This work aims to enhance precision in radiotherapy planning for head and neck cancers.