Accuracy of field alignment in radiotherapy of head and neck cancer utilizing individualized face mask immobilization: a retrospective analysis of clinical practice.
Deviations between simulation and first check films were quantitatively assessed for 95 unselected head and neck cancer patients. All measured deviations--calculated on the basis of a total of 190 simulation and 380 verification films--were normally distributed, with mean values of 0-3 mm and standard deviations of 3-5 mm. Of the absolute deviations, 50% and 95% were within 3 mm and 9 mm, respectively. These results should be considered in clinical practice when prescribing safety margins and adequate cut off doses for sparing critical organs in head and neck cancer.
Hess
C F
CF
Department of Radiotherapy, University of Tübingen, Germany.
Kortmann
R D
RD
Jany
R
R
Hamberger
A
A
Bamberg
M
M
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D008397:Masks; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies