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Cone-beam computed tomography dose monitoring during intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: parotid glands

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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the dosimetric changes of parotid glands (PG) during a course of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients.

Methods

Ten patients with H&N cancer treated by IMRT were analyzed. The original treatment plan (CTplan) was transferred to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquired at the 15th and 20th treatment day (CBCTplan I and II, respectively). The PG mean dose (D mean), the dose to 50 % of the volume, and the percent of volume receiving 30 and 50 Gy were measured by the dose volume histogram.

Results

30 IMRT plans were evaluated (3 plans/patient). All dosimetric end points increased significantly for both PG only when CTplan was compared to CBCTplan I. The D mean increased significantly only for ipsilateral PG (p = 0.02) at week 3.

Conclusion

During a course of IMRT, CBCT is a feasible method to check the PG dosimetric variations. Perhaps, the 3rd week of radiotherapy could be considered as the time-check-point.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge Filippo Fiorentino for his support in the revision of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiotherapy Oncology Department, IRCCS-CROB, Rionero in Vulture, Potenza, Italy

    A. Fiorentino, M. Cozzolino, R. Caivano, P. Pedicini, C. Chiumento, C. Oliviero, S. Clemente & V. Fusco

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  1. A. Fiorentino
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  2. M. Cozzolino
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  3. R. Caivano
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  4. P. Pedicini
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  5. C. Chiumento
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  6. C. Oliviero
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  7. S. Clemente
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  8. V. Fusco
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Fiorentino.

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Fiorentino, A., Cozzolino, M., Caivano, R. et al. Cone-beam computed tomography dose monitoring during intensity-modulated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: parotid glands. Clin Transl Oncol 15, 412–415 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0946-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12094-012-0946-4

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