Dosimetric Comparison of two Methods of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy and Helical Tomotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Involvement of Regional Lymph Nodes

Abstract

Background: Head and Neck cancers niamer a significant problem due to their high morbidity and mortality and in most cases, require regional lymph nodes radiotherapy treatment. This work aims to evaluate and compare two methods of Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) and Helical Tomotherapy (HT) based on treatment planning and selection of the most appropriate method to reduce side effects. Methods: In this study, 20 patients with head and neck cancers were considered for treatment in the radiotherapy department of Seyed Alshohada Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Two methods of HT and 3D-CRT were done using a 6 MeV photon energy apparatus and specific treatment planning algorithms. The dose-volume distribution curve (DVH), the dosimetric variables of the target organ, the radiation delivery efficiency, and the organs at risk were determined and results were compared with each other. Findings: In HT the dose received by 95 planning target volume (PTV) and value doses of 2 and 98 showed significant improvement over 3D-CRT. For all studied organs at risk (OARs), the decrease in Dmax of HT was significant compared to 3-DCRT. Conclusion: Helical tomotherapy enhances the target volume coverage and offers a good dose distribution. HT compared to 3D-CRT is a desirable method in treating head and neck cancer patients with the involvement of regional lymph nodes. © 2023 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.