Sparing the Submandibular Gland in Radiation Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Patricia Doornaert, Wilko FAR Verbakel, Derek HF Rietveld, Ben J Slotman, Suresh Senan
Primary Institution: VU University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can volumetric modulated arc therapy spare the contralateral submandibular gland without compromising planning target volume coverage?
Conclusion
The study found that using RapidArc for elective radiotherapy effectively limited doses to the contralateral submandibular gland below 39 Gy while maintaining adequate coverage of the planning target volumes.
Supporting Evidence
- The mean dose to the contralateral submandibular gland was significantly lower in clinical plans compared to non-sparing plans.
- No regional recurrences were observed in the study's follow-up period.
- The study included a diverse group of patients with various types of head and neck cancer.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special radiation technique to protect a gland in the mouth while still treating cancer, which might help patients feel better after treatment.
Methodology
The study involved 31 patients with head and neck cancer treated with RapidArc plans that spared the contralateral submandibular gland, comparing these plans to non-sparing plans.
Limitations
The study lacked objective assessment of salivary flow and relied on subjective reports of xerostomia.
Participant Demographics
Patients had stage II-IV head and neck cancer without contralateral neck metastases.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001 for group 1 and p=0.002 for group 2
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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