[A modified facial mask device for the radiotherapy of head-neck tumors]

The reproducibility during radiotherapy of head and neck tumors has been significantly improved by special devices like individual masks. However, the temporary fixation of head and neck region to the irradiation berth induces in many patients anxiety state and reduces this way the compliance. By means of modification of the device used till now a new model in which the set up mask is only coupled to the berth, could be developed. The clinical evaluation showed that this form of fixation device is much better tolerated by the patients and can be adapted without any problems to all equipment pieces in a radiotherapy department. The estimated reproducibility was comparable to that obtained with mounted device. The average translation of the central beam during 21 days observation period was 2.6 +/- 1.4 mm (0 to 9 mm) in the sagittal plane and 3.4 +/- 1.0 mm (1 to 8 mm) in the frontal plane.