Spinal cord protection during cross-fire irradiation of the intrathoracic esophagus: tube-tilt vs. Shielding.
The protection of the upper thoracic spine achieved by a tube-tilt technique was found to be comparable to that obtained from direct shielding during cross-fire therapy of the intrathoracic esophagus. An isocentric technique was utilized which included one anterior and two posterior-oblique fields. Significant underdosages to the esophagus at levels superior to the isocenter are caused by tube-tilt, whereas direct shielding resulted in a uniformity of esophageal doses to within 5%. The need for a tissue compensator for the anterior field must be assessed on an individual basis from off-axis treatment planning.
D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004947:Esophagus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D013116:Spinal Cord; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology