IMRT Improves Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): van Rij CM, Oughlane-Heemsbergen WD, Ackerstaff AH, Lamers EA, Balm AJM, Rasch CRN
Primary Institution: Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Does intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) improve xerostomia and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients compared to conventional radiation?
Conclusion
Parotid gland sparing IMRT for head and neck cancer patients improves xerostomia related quality of life compared to conventional radiation both in rest and during meals.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients treated with IMRT reported significantly less difficulty transporting and swallowing their food.
- IMRT patients needed less water for a dry mouth during day, night, and meals.
- Laryngeal cancer patients had fewer complaints but benefited equally from IMRT compared to oropharyngeal cancer patients.
- Within the IMRT group, xerostomia scores were better for those with a mean parotid dose below 26 Gy.
Takeaway
Using a special type of radiation therapy called IMRT helps people with head and neck cancer feel better and have less dry mouth compared to regular radiation.
Methodology
Patients with head and neck cancer were treated with either IMRT or conventional radiation, and their xerostomia was assessed through questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the non-randomized nature of the study and differences in patient characteristics between groups.
Limitations
The study was retrospective and the IMRT and control groups were not entirely balanced on multiple issues.
Participant Demographics
192 patients with T1-4, N0-2 M0 head and neck cancer, with a mix of male and female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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