18F-FDG-PET/CT-based treatment planning for definitive (chemo)radiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma improves regional control and survival

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a substantial risk of cervical lymph node metastases [1]. For small nodal metastases, it is not uncommon that they remain undetected (i.e. occult) because they fall below the detection threshold of diagnostic imaging [1,2]. In a clinically negative neck (cN0) the prevalence of occult metastases ranges between 10% and 35%, depending on the primary tumor site and T-stage [2]. To eradicate potential occult nodal disease, elective irradiation (typically an equivalent dose of 45 –50 Gy in 2-Gy fractions) to the clinically uninvolved nodal target volume (CTVelective-nodal) is performed routinely in definitive (chemo)radiotherapy for HNSCC [2,3].

Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology - August 18, 2019 Category: Radiology Authors: Sven van den Bosch, Patricia A.H. Doornaert, Tim Dijkema, Ellen M. Zwijnenburg, Lia C.G. Verhoef, Bianca A.W. Hoeben, Nicolien Kasperts, Ernst J. Smid, Chris H.J. Terhaard, Johannes H.A.M. Kaanders Tags: Original Article Source Type: research