[Image-guided radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma]

Area of Science:

• Radiation oncology
• Medical imaging
• Head and neck cancer treatment

Background:

• Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with chemotherapy is standard for locally advanced head and neck carcinoma.
• Precise dose delivery in IMRT requires accurate patient positioning and anatomy consistency during treatment.
• Set-up uncertainties are common in head and neck cancer patients, necessitating planning target volume margins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) techniques for head and neck carcinomas.
• To discuss methods for reducing set-up uncertainties in IGRT.
• To explore the concept and clinical application of adaptive radiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Summary of uncertainties in patient positioning and anatomy during radiotherapy.
• Presentation of various IGRT techniques integrated with linear accelerators.
• Focus on 3D volumetric image guidance systems for reducing uncertainties.

Main Results:

• IGRT systems effectively address patient positioning uncertainties in head and neck cancer.
• 3D volumetric image guidance systems demonstrate efficiency in reducing set-up uncertainties.
• Discussion of advantages and limitations of different IGRT techniques.

Conclusions:

• IGRT is crucial for precise radiotherapy in head and neck cancer by minimizing set-up errors.
• Adaptive radiotherapy offers potential for further optimization in clinical practice.
• Continued integration of imaging technologies enhances treatment accuracy and safety.