Improved dose distributions for 3D conformal boost treatments in carcinoma of the nasopharynx Journal Article


Authors: Leibel, S. A.; Kutcher, G. J.; Harrison, L. B.; Fass, D. E.; Burman, C. M.; Hunt, M. A.; Mohan, R.; Brewster, L. J.; Ling, C. C.; Fuks, Z. Y.
Article Title: Improved dose distributions for 3D conformal boost treatments in carcinoma of the nasopharynx
Abstract: This study was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of 3-dimensional (3D) treatment planning in patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx, and to explore its potential therapeutic advantage over the traditional 2-dimensional (2D) approach in this disease. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the two techniques were made for the boost portion of the treatment (19.8 Gy of a total 70.2 Gy treatment schedule) in 10 previously untreated patients and for the entire treatment in 5 patients with locally recurrent disease. The 2D and 3D plans were compared in each patient using dose-volume histograms (DVH's), tumor control probabilities (TCP's), normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP's), and a new biologic figure of merit that describes the probability of uncomplicated control. Although there was no attempt to optimize the 313 treatment approach by using this method throughout the total treatment course (rather than for the boost only), it was still found that for each of the endpoints examined the 3D approach resulted in improved plans. An average of 22% of the target volume was underdosed at the 95% isodose level with the 2D plans compared to 7% with the 3D plans. The improved treatment planning by 3D increased the mean dose to the tumor volume by an average of 13% over 2D planning. The dose to normal structures such as the mandible and parotid glands was reduced with the 3D plans while the brain stem and spinal cord remained within tolerance limits. The probability of uncomplicated tumor control was increased by an average of 15% with 3D treatment planning compared to the 2D approach. Our findings demonstrate the potential of 3D planning for improving the treatment of carcinoma of the nasopharynx, but prospective studies are required to define the true clinical advantages of this methodology. © 1991.
Keywords: clinical article; treatment planning; cancer radiotherapy; comparative study; neoplasm staging; radiotherapy dosage; radiotherapy; tomography, x-ray computed; probability; nasopharynx carcinoma; nasopharyngeal neoplasms; nasopharynx; tumor control probability; three-dimensional; human; priority journal; article; normal tissue complication probability; x ray dose distribution
Journal Title: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0360-3016
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 1991-04-01
Start Page: 823
End Page: 833
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/0360-3016(91)90030-8
PUBMED: 2004961
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 27 September 2019 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Chandra M Burman
    154 Burman
  2. Zvi Fuks
    427 Fuks
  3. Steven A Leibel
    252 Leibel
  4. Gerald J Kutcher
    106 Kutcher
  5. Margie A Hunt
    287 Hunt
  6. C Clifton Ling
    331 Ling
  7. Radhe   Mohan
    97 Mohan
  8. Louis B Harrison
    123 Harrison
  9. Daniel E. Fass
    29 Fass
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