Weekly assessment of volumetric and dosimetric changes during volumetric modulated arc therapy of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma: Implications for adaptive radiation therapy-A prospective study

BackgroundChemoradiation in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) shows significant anatomical resulting in erroneous dose deposition in the target or the organ at risk (OAR). Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) can overcome this. Timing of significant target and OAR changes with dosimetric impact; thus, most suitable time and frequency of ART is unclear.MethodsThis dosimetric study used prospective weekly non-contrast CT scans in 12 HNC patients (78 scans). OARs and TVs were manually contoured after registration with simulation scan. Dose overlay done on each scan without reoptimization. Dosimetric and volumetric variations assessed.ResultsCommonest site was oropharynx. Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) reduced from 47.5 +/- 19.2 to 17.8 +/- 10.7 cc. Nodal GTV reduced from 15.7 +/- 18.8 to 4.7 +/- 7.1 cc. Parotid showed mean volume loss of 35%. T stage moderately correlated with GTV regression.ConclusionMaximum GTV changes occurred after 3 weeks. Best time to do single fixed interval ART would be by the end of 3 weeks.