title: Accuracy of field alignment in radiotherapy of head and neck cancer utilizing individualized face mask immobilization: a retrospective analysis of clinical practice.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiotherapy, University of Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Kortmann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jany
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamberger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bamberg
mesh_terms: 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