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.
Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Regional Cancer Center, PGIMER, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, UT, India. drsantam@gmail.com
Santam
S
Chakraborty
Sushmita
S
Ghoshal
Vijay M
VM
Patil
Arun S
AS
Oinam
Suresh C
SC
Sharma
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