Using Image-guided Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy on Patients With Head and Neck Soft-tissue Sarcoma

Area of Science:

• Radiation Oncology
• Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Head and neck soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) treatment often involves radiotherapy.
• Image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) is a modern technique for STS.
• Direct comparisons between IG-IMRT and conventional radiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck STS are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of IG-IMRT versus CRT in treating head and neck STS.
• To evaluate differences in locoregional control and adverse events between the two radiotherapy techniques.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 67 patients with head and neck STS treated between 1994 and 2017.
• Patients received either CRT or IG-IMRT.
• Outcomes assessed included locoregional relapse rate, 5-year locoregional control, and acute/chronic toxicities.

Main Results:

• IG-IMRT was used in 66% of patients, CRT in 34%.
• Locoregional relapse rate was 21% with IG-IMRT vs. 70% with CRT (p<0.001).
• 5-year locoregional control was 69% with IG-IMRT vs. 28% with CRT (p=0.01).
• IG-IMRT showed a trend towards fewer acute and chronic adverse events.

Conclusions:

• IG-IMRT demonstrates superior locoregional control for head and neck STS compared to CRT.
• IG-IMRT is associated with potentially lower rates of acute and chronic toxicities.
• Radiation technique significantly influences locoregional control in head and neck STS.