Anatomical change during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, and its effect on delivered dose to the spinal cord

Journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology - Gill Barnett

Abstract:The impact of weight loss and anatomical change during head and neck (H&N) radiotherapy on spinal cord dosimetry is poorly understood, limiting evidence-based adaptive management strategies. Conclusions: Differences between delivered and planned spinal cord D2% are small in patients treated with daily IG. Even patients experiencing substantial weight loss or anatomical change during treatment do not require adaptive replanning for spinal cord safety.