Radiation Treatment Planning for Head and Neck Malignancies

Innovative approaches have been incorporated to radiation therapy over the last decades. The technologic advances, such as intensity modulated radiation therapy and image guided radiation have resulted in a modern era for this oncologic modality. The mix of imaging approach using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography (PET) have been of great value to ascertain the accuracy of tumor target delineation. The use of functional imaging, especially PET/CT, has been incorporated to the modern radiation oncology practice to better define the tumor extent and augment the treatment plan design, as well as response assessment. This article focuses on radiation treatment planning and the integration of PET/CT for head and neck cancer radiation therapy.