title: [Comparison of temporomandibular joint injuries after three-dimensional conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapies for nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the radiation injuries of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-nine NPC patients without previous radiotherapy underwent 3D-CRT and another 32 received IMRT in our institute. The distance between the 2 dens incisivus medialis (DDIM) and LENT SOMA criteria were employed to evaluate TMJ injuries, clinical outcomes, and the performance-to-price ratios.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The short-term local response rates were similar between the two groups (P=0.878). The mean radiation doses of the TMJ were significantly higher in 3D-CRT group than in IMRT group (57.06 vs 40.90 Gy, P<0.001). The DDIM showed significant changes in 3D-CRT groups after the radiotherapy (P<0.05). No significant difference was found in the TMJ injuries between the two groups according to the SOMA criteria (P>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiation injuries of the TMJ are tolerable in both 3D-CRT and IMRT groups, and 3D-CRT is a more economic choice for patients who can not afford IMRT.
authors: Department of Radiotherapy, Guangzhou Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, China. chen_dpgz@163.com
authors: Dongping
authors: D
authors: Chen
authors: Yi
authors: Y
authors: Yu
authors: Bin
authors: B
authors: Qi
authors: Jinquan
authors: J
authors: Liu
authors: Mingyi
authors: M
authors: Li
authors: Yuying
authors: Y
authors: Liang
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077274:Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000293:injuries*