An evaluation of adaptive planning by assessing the dosimetric impact of weight loss throughout the course of radiotherapy in bilateral treatment of head and neck cancer patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric impact of weight loss in head and neck (H&N) patients and examine the effectiveness of adaptive planning. Data was collected from 22 H&N cancer patients who experienced weight loss during their course of radiotherapy. The robustness of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) treatment plans were compared including the potential need for replanning. The dosimetric impact of weight loss was evaluated by calculating a verification plan for each patient on an assessment CT scan taken during the course of treatment.

Source: Medical Dosimetry - June 16, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Zachary Stauch, Wesley Zoller, Kayla Tedrick, Steve Walston, Daniel Christ, Ashley Hunzeker, Nishele Lenards, Lee Culp, Mauricio E. Gamez, Dukagjin Blakaj Source Type: research