A novel approach to predict acute radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer using a model based on Bayesian probability

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancer preserves their function and shape and reduces impairments in speech, chewing, and swallowing functions [1 –3]. Approximately 50 % of patients with head and neck cancer are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemoradiation [4–6]. Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) for head and neck cancer delivers approximately 70 Gy of irradiation to the planned target volume of the tumor [7– 9]. Severe acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) [10], such as erythema and desquamation, frequently occurs as an adverse effect, which interrupts the treatment schedules [11,12].
Source: Physica Medica: European Journal of Medical Physics - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research