MR-Guided Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Current Developments, Perspectives, and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Radiation Oncology
• Oncology

Background:

• Magnetic resonance image guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) integrates MRI with linear accelerators for adaptive radiotherapy.
• MRgRT has significantly advanced adaptive treatment across various clinical indications.
• The application of MRgRT for head and neck cancer (HNC) is a developing area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the rationale, recent advancements, and future outlook of MRgRT for head and neck cancer treatment.
• To discuss the potential benefits and emerging challenges of utilizing MRgRT in HNC therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of technical and clinical aspects of MRgRT.
• Analysis of current developments and future perspectives in MRgRT for HNC.

Main Results:

• MRgRT enables superior soft-tissue visualization, crucial for HNC treatment.
• It allows for real-time monitoring of tumor and surrounding tissues during treatment fractions.
• Frequent plan adaptations are facilitated, enhancing treatment precision for HNC.

Conclusions:

• MRgRT holds significant promise for improving head and neck cancer radiotherapy outcomes.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome technical, clinical, and logistical hurdles for widespread HNC adoption.
• The potential benefits of MRgRT for HNC patients warrant continued investigation and clinical implementation.