Preliminary results of SIB-IMRT in head and neck cancers: report from a regional cancer center in northern India.
BACKGROUND
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy using simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-IMRT) is an attractive method for the treatment of head and neck cancers with sparing of the salivary function.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility, toxicity, and tumor control using SIB-IMRT in locally advanced head and neck cancers in the Indian setting.


METHODS
The study was conducted in a regional cancer center in northern India. A review of the treatment result of the first 20 patients is presented.


METHODS
SIB-IMRT was planned for 20 patients--14 patients were treated with the SIB-72 schedule delivering a dose of 72 Gy, 66 Gy, and 57 Gy to the PTV GTV , PTV CTV1 , and PTV CTV2 in 33 fractions. Six patients were treated with the SIB-66 schedule delivering 66 Gy, 60 Gy, and 54 Gy to the above-mentioned volumes in 30 fractions. Patients were monitored for toxicity using the CTCAE v 3.0 criteria. Descriptive analysis of toxicity and actuarial estimates of the loco-regional control and survival are presented.


RESULTS
Grade III mucositis was seen in 65% patients. None of the patients had Grade III dermatitis. The projected 2-year overall survival was 95%.


CONCLUSIONS
SIB-IMRT schedules evaluated were found to be safe and effective and are being subjected to further prospective studies.
Chakraborty
Santam
S
Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Regional Cancer Center, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, UT, India. drsantam@gmail.com
Ghoshal
Sushmita
S
Patil
Vijay M
VM
Oinam
Arun S
AS
Sharma
Suresh C
SC
D002173:Cancer Care Facilities; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D052016:Mucositis / Q000473:pathology; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome