腮腺显像对鼻咽癌放疗后腮腺功能的评价

目的利用腮腺显像研究鼻咽癌放疗后腮腺的摄取与排泄功能.方法48例鼻咽癌患者中,对38例肿瘤和肿大淋巴结行加速调强放疗（SMART）,其亚临床灶和预防照射区接受常规照射;余10例行常规放疗.放疗前后均行腮腺显像,计算腮腺的放射性摄取指数（UI）及酸性刺激后排泌指数（EI）,对腮腺功能损伤情况进行分析;同时记录患者口干程度并分级.结果鼻咽癌SMART组放疗后腮腺UI和EI分别下降21.9%和37.3%,中重度口干者12例;而常规放疗组腮腺功能明显下降,UI和EI分别下降56.1%和96.1%,中重度口干者9例,两者比较差异均有显著性（P＜0.05）.结论腮腺显像可灵敏地监测鼻咽癌放疗后腮腺功能.     

重复CT模拟定位分析肿瘤体积变化对鼻咽癌调强放疗的影响

目的 利用重复CT模拟定位分析肿瘤体积变化对鼻咽癌调强放疗的影响。 方法 选取2011年7月至2012年11月期间20例鼻咽癌调强放疗的患者,于放疗前进行首次CT模拟定位,放疗中在患者接受30 Gy剂量照射时进行重复CT模拟定位扫描。在治疗计划系统将首次扫描的CT图像与重复扫描的CT图像进行融合,计算GTV体积的退缩率;在重复CT图像上利用原计划重新计算剂量分布,根据剂量体积直方图,分别计算出危及器官脑干和脊髓的受量变化。 结果 重复CT模拟定位比较首次CT模拟定位GTV体积平均退缩率为28.7%。重复CT模拟定位比首次CT模拟定位脑干和脊髓的单次最大剂量、1 cm³体积的剂量和平均剂量的百分比均有所增加(t=0.83~3.17,P<0.05)。 结论 利用重复CT模拟定位发现,鼻咽癌调强放疗患者在接受30 Gy剂量照射时,GTV体积的退缩率较明显,进而导致危及器官剂量的增加。     

鼻咽癌调强放疗致急性放射性口干的剂量学研究

目的 探讨鼻咽癌调强放疗所致急性放射性口干与放疗剂量的关系。方法 收集2013年12月至2014年7月接受调强放疗的109例鼻咽癌患者,分析患者的一般临床资料及双侧腮腺、双侧下颌下腺、双侧涎腺(双侧腮腺+双侧下颌下腺)的照射剂量等数据。在放疗结束时根据口干程度把患者分为非重度口干组(57例)和重度口干组(52例),并对两组之间的一般资料以及相关的剂量学因素进行比较分析。记录双侧腮腺接受15~50 Gy照射剂量的体积百分比,采用Logistic多因素回归法分析急性重度口干的独立预测因子,并用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)分析其诊断界值点。结果 至放疗结束,所有入组患者重度口干的发生率为47.7%(52/109)。临床因素的分析提示年龄、黏膜炎、化疗方式均与急性重度放射性口干的发生无关。非重度口干组和重度口干组剂量学指标比较的结果显示,两组平均剂量差异均有统计学意义(t=-6.179、-6.055、-2.293,P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示,V₃₄是判断急性重度放射性口干的独立预测因素。V₃₄的ROC曲线表明:V₃₄=49%对重度放射性口干预测的敏感度和特异度分别为71.2%和75.4% (OR=1.231,P<0.05,95%CI:1.116~1.357)。结论 在鼻咽癌调强放疗计划中,双侧腮腺的V₃₄是重度急性放射性口干的独立预测因子,可以作为评估发生急性重度放射性口干发生风险的剂量学指标。     

鼻咽癌调强放疗和常规放疗早期反应的对照观察

目的观察鼻咽癌病人调强放疗和常规放疗的早期治疗结果和早期并发症情况。方法78例Ⅰ～Ⅲ期鼻咽癌病人分为调强放疗组(38例)和常规放疗组(40例)。常规放疗采用面颈联合野+锁骨上野及耳前野+后颈电子线野,靶区剂量2Gy/(次·天);调强放疗先设定7～9个适形野,再设定80～100个调强子野照射,靶区剂量2.2Gy/(次·天)。研究调强放疗和常规面颈联合野放疗病人的腮腺、脊髓、临床靶区和计划靶区的平均受照体积,观察放疗期间病人的皮肤反应、口干(腮腺)反应和口腔黏膜反应。结果所有病人放疗后鼻咽及周围病灶明显消退。腮腺、脊髓、临床靶区和计划靶区的受照体积调强放疗组分别为(30±4.8)%、(56±6.7)%、(95±8.6)%、(92±8.1)%,常规放疗组分别为(98±9.4)%、(56±10.7)%、(100±9.7)%、(99±9.5)%,调强放疗组腮腺受照体积明显低于常规放疗组。调强放疗组的皮肤反应多为Ⅰ级,口干(腮腺)反应多为Ⅰ、Ⅱ级,口腔黏膜反应为Ⅰ、Ⅱ级。而常规放疗组的皮肤反应及口干(腮腺)反应多为Ⅱ、Ⅲ级,口腔黏膜反应为Ⅱ、Ⅲ级。其中口干(腮腺)反应、皮肤反应、口腔黏膜反应Ⅱ、Ⅲ级者调强放疗组明显少于常规放疗组。另外,调强放疗组的放疗时间为45.0±4.4天,少于常规放疗组的51.0±5.3天。但调强放疗组放疗后鼻咽腔炎症反应较重。结论使用调强技术可明显减轻鼻咽癌病人放疗的口干和皮肤反应等早期放疗反应,并能缩短放疗时间。     

鼻咽癌调强放疗中实施同一计划对剂量的影响

目的 探讨鼻咽癌调强放疗过程中实施同一治疗计划的可行性。方法 选10例采用调强放射治疗的鼻咽癌患者,用Pinnacle³制定IMRT计划。在患者放疗中期重新行CT定位扫描,把基于初次定位CT图像所做的IMRT计划复制到重新定位CT图像上,使得照射野参数保持一致,测得基于两套图像计划中的肿瘤靶区、脊髓、脑干和腮腺的受量。统计在整个放疗过程中如果实施同一计划,患者靶区及各器官的剂量变化率。结果 两组计划相比,等中心层面外轮廓左右和前后长度平均缩小8%、3%。靶区PTV₁(D₉₅)减少0.6%~5.3%;放疗中期和放疗前相比右侧和左侧腮腺体积分别缩小13.1%~41.4%、12.0%~49.0%;右侧和左侧腮腺平均剂量增加5.6%~45.1%、3.3%~32.2%;脊髓最大剂量变化为-4.1%~13.9%;脑干剂量变化为-3.9%~9.3%。结论 对于采用鼻咽癌调强放射治疗的患者,在不考虑摆位误差的影响因素下,由于靶区及正常组织显著变化等因素影响有重新定位修改计划的必要性。     

53例颈椎受侵鼻咽癌的常规和调强放疗疗效分析

目的 比较颈椎受侵局部晚期鼻咽癌患者使用调强放疗（IMRT）和常规放疗的临床疗效及不良反应。方法 收集2006年1月至2012年12月颈椎受侵无远处转移的初治鼻咽癌患者53例,其中调强放疗24例,肿瘤靶区剂量72~74 Gy/33次。常规放疗29例,靶区剂量68~74 Gy /34~37次。全部患者接受顺铂+氟尿嘧啶方案的同步化疗及放疗后4~6周期的辅助化疗。结果 调强组和常规组3年总生存率为87.7%和65.5%,5年总生存率为45.5%和9.1%（χ²=6.89,P<0.05）;两组间的局部无进展3 年生存率分别为87.4%和69.9%,5年生存率为49.4%和9.4%（χ²=13.26,P<0.05）。但两组间的无远处转移3年生存率为94.4%和40.8%,5年生存率为 79.8%和30.4%,差异无统计学意义。N分期（χ²=8.53,P<0.05）和调强放疗（χ²=8.02,P<0.05）为患者总生存率及无进展生存率的相关因素。调强组放疗后口干的发生率显著低于常规组（Z=-2.67,P<0.05）,两组患者急性口咽黏膜炎和骨髓不良反应的发生率差异无统计学意义。结论 与常规放疗相比,颈椎受侵局部晚期鼻咽癌患者行调强放疗能明显提高局部控制率和总生存率,但未能降低远处转移率;同时,调强放疗可以降低口干等不良反应发生率。     

鼻咽癌调强放疗与常规放疗患者生存质量的初步观察

目的 比较鼻咽癌患者调强放疗与常规放疗的急慢性反应和生存质量。方法 系统分析2008年8月至2010年9月在宁波市李惠利医院行常规放疗及调强放射治疗(IMRT)的初治鼻咽癌患者91例,分为IMRT组(35例)和常规放疗组(56例)。常规放疗采用面颈联合野+颈切线野及耳前野+颈部电子线野,靶区剂量2.0 Gy/次,35次,共70 Gy;调强放疗设定9个共面野,靶区剂量2.12 Gy/次,33次,共69.96 Gy。比较IMRT和常规放疗患者的急性不良反应如口干、吞咽疼痛、吞咽困难、皮肤和黏膜反应等;晚期放射损伤如吞咽困难、张口困难、甲状腺功能低下、视力及听力下降、皮肤损伤、皮下组织纤维化、脊髓炎、脑损伤等方面。结果 与常规组相比,IMRT组的急性不良反应有不同程度的减轻,口干、吞咽疼痛、吞咽困难、皮肤反应和黏膜反应等的发生率较低(χ²=85.73、 56.03、 26.58、69.28和55.99,P<0.05);晚期损伤中口干、吞咽困难、味觉改变、张口困难、皮肤损伤等方面显著减轻(χ²=37.95、7.48、9.49、9.49和11.87, P<0.05),而听力下降程度、视力损伤、脑损伤等的发生率差异无统计学意义,可能与随访时间较短有关。结论 相对于常规放疗,IMRT技术能够减轻急性不良反应,并减少晚期损伤发生率,改善患者的生存质量。     

局部进展期鼻咽癌同期调强放化疗Ⅰ期临床观察

目的 前瞻性研究局部进展期鼻咽癌调强放疗联合同期化疗的不良反应,探讨同期调强放化疗的最佳剂量方法。方法 2004年8月至2006年3月,20例Ⅲ～Ⅳa期的鼻咽癌患者在北京大学临床肿瘤学院接受了调强放疗和同期化疗。肿瘤靶体积和临床靶体积的放疗中位剂量分别是70.8和61.5 Gy。同期化疗采用顺铂和氟尿嘧啶方案,化疗药物分为4个剂量水平。MRI和CT用于疗效评价。CTC2.0评分标准用于评价近期治疗相关的不良反应。结果 中位随访时间是16.5个月。随访期间局部区域控制率是100%。2例出现远地转移。放疗结束时影像学评价疗效,完全缓解:20.0%,部分缓解:75.0%,稳定:5.0%。近期治疗相关不良反应随着化疗药物剂量的增加而加重。结论 同期调强放化疗的近期不良反应程度与化疗药物剂量明显相关。选择同期化疗剂量时应将3、4度不良反应分别控制在30%～40%和10%以下。     

脑胶质瘤三维适形放射治疗与调强放射治疗的剂量学比较

目的 评价脑胶质瘤调强放射治疗较三维适形放射治疗的剂量学优势。方法 本研究采用10例脑胶质瘤患者,针对所有患者分别进行3D CRT和IMRT的计划设计,利用剂量体积直方图评价不同照射技术中靶区和正常组织照射剂量、适形度指数和不均匀性指数。处方剂量为60 Gy。结果 IMRT计划脑干最大剂量和受照体积、患侧腮腺平均剂量和脊髓最大剂量均低于3D CRT计划。对于靶区适形度指数,IMRT计划优于3D CRT计划;对于不均匀性指数,两种计划模式的差异没有统计学意义。结论 在脑胶质瘤放疗中应用 IMRT可以明显降低脑干的剂量和受照体积,为靶区剂量的提高提供了可能性。     

螺旋断层放疗提升鼻咽癌放疗剂量的可行性研究

目的 探讨应用螺旋断层放疗(HT)进行鼻咽癌放疗处方剂量提升的可行性及剂量学特点。方法 选取10例9野静态调强放疗的鼻咽癌计划,制定HT计划和静态调强(sIMRT)计划。在危及器官(OAR)符合正常组织临床影响量化分析标准的前提下,提升两组计划处方剂量,并比较剂量提升空间及处方剂量提升后两者的剂量学差异。结果 与sIMRT计划相比,HT计划所达到的处方剂量比sIMRT计划增加了42.6%(t=6.373,P<0.01);处方剂量提升后,HT计划的均匀性指数仍优于sIMRT计划(t=-2.288,P<0.05),但适形度指数略低于sIMRT计划(P>0.05)。限制HT计划处方剂量提升的OAR为脊髓(2例)、视神经(5例)、脑干(3例);限制sIMRT计划处方剂量提升的OAR为眼晶状体(1例)、脊髓(1例)、腮腺(8例)。结论 HT的高束流调强能力,使其在有效保护OAR的前提下,能够提高鼻咽癌放疗处方剂量。在sIMRT实现高处方剂量要求存在困难时,可考虑使用HT进行放疗。     

Comparison of two different IMRT planning techniques in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Purpose

To compare the effect of two different intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning techniques on parotid gland doses in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Patients and methods

Radiotherapy for 10 NPC patients referred to the University of Istanbul Cerrahpasa Medical School was planned with arc- and static seven-field IMRT. The simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique was used to deliver 70 Gy (2.12 Gy per fraction) to the primary tumor and involved nodes; 60 Gy (1.81 Gy per fraction) to the entire nasopharynx and 54 Gy (1.63 Gy per fraction) to elective lymph nodes in 33 fractions. Plans also aimed to keep the mean parotid dose below 26 Gy and limit the maximum doses to the spinal cord and brain stem to 45 and 54 Gy, respectively. Mean parotid gland doses for the two planning techniques were compared using a paired t-test. Target coverage and dose inhomogeneity were evaluated by calculating conformity- (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) values.

Results

Target coverage and dose homogeneity were identical and good for both planning techniques: CI?=?1.05?±?0.08 and 1.05?±?0.08; HI?=?1.08?±?0.02 and 1.07?±?0.01 for arc- and static field IMRT, respectively. Mean doses to contralateral parotid glands were 25.73?±?4.27 and 27.73?±?3.5 Gy(p?=?0.008) for arc- and static field IMRT plans, respectively, whereas mean ipsilateral parotid doses were 30.65?±?6.25 and 32.55?±?5.93 Gy (non-significant p-value), respectively. Mean monitor units (MU) per fraction for the 10 patients were considerably lower for arc- than for static field treatments—540.5?±?130.39 versus 1288.4?±?197.28 (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Normal tissues—particularly the parotid glands—are better spared with the arc technique in patients with NPC. MU and treatment times are considerably reduced in arc IMRT plans.     

Anatomic and Dosimetric Changes During the Treatment Course of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Many patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have marked anatomic change during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In this study, the magnitude of anatomic changes and its dosimetric effects were quantified. Fifteen patients with locally advanced NPC treated with IMRT had repeated computed tomography (CT) after 18 fractions. A hybrid plan was made to the anatomy of the second computed tomography scan. The dose of the original plan, hybrid plan, and new plan were compared. The mean volume of left and right parotid decreased 6.19 mL and 6.44 mL, respectively. The transverse diameters of the upper bound of odontoid process, the center of odontoid process, and the center of C2 vertebral body slices contracted with the mean contraction of 8.2 mm, 9.4 mm, and 7.6 mm. Comparing the hybrid plan with the treatment plan, the coverage of target was maintained while the maximum dose to the brain stem and spinal cord increased by 0.08 to 6.51 Gy and 0.05 to 7.8 Gy. The mean dose to left and right parotid increased by 2.97 Gy and 2.57 Gy, respectively. A new plan reduced the dose of spinal cord, brain stem, and parotids. Measurable anatomic changes occurring during the IMRT for locally advanced NPC maintained the coverage of targets but increased the dose to critical organs. Those patients might benefit from replanning.     

Changes of the transverse diameter and volume and dosimetry before the 25th fraction during the course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

To quantify changes of the transverse diameter and volume and dosimetry, and to illustrate the inferiority of non-replanning during intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Fifty-three NPC patients who received IMRT in 33 fractions were enrolled in this prospective trial. Before the 25th fraction, a new simulation computed tomography (CT) scan was acquired for all patients. The dose-volume histograms of the phantom plan were compared with the initial plan. Significant reduction of the transverse diameter of the nasopharyngeal, the neck, and 2 parotid glands volume was observed on second CT compared with the first CT (mean reduction 7.48 ± 4.45 mm, 6.80 ± 15.14 mm, 5.70 ± 6.26 mL, and 5.04 ± 5.85 mL, respectively; p < 0.01). The maximum dose and V-40 of the spinal cord, mean dose, and V30 of the left and right parotid, and V-50 of the brain stem were increased significantly in the phantom plan compared with the initial plan (mean increase 4.75 ± 5.55 Gy, 7.18 ± 10.07%, 4.51 ± 8.55 Gy, 6.59 ± 17.82%, 5.33 ± 8.55 Gy, 11.68 ± 17.11% and 1.48 ± 3.67%, respectively; p < 0.01). On the basis of dose constraint criterion in the RTOG0225 protocol, the dose of the normal critical structures for 52.83% (28/53) of the phantom plans were out of limit compared with 1.89% (1/53) of the initial plans (p < 0.0001). Because of the significant change in anatomy and dose before the 25th fraction during IMRT, replanning should be necessary during IMRT with NPC.     

Dosimetric Comparison Between 2-Dimensional Radiation Therapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Treatment of Advanced T-Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: To Treat Less or More in the Planning Organ-At-Risk Volume of the Brainstem and Spinal Cord

The aim of this study is to evaluate the deficiencies in target coverage and organ protection of 2-dimensional radiation therapy (2DRT) in the treatment of advanced T-stage (T3-4) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and assess the extent of improvement that could be achieved with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with special reference to of the dose to the planning organ-at-risk volume (PRV) of the brainstem and spinal cord. A dosimetric study was performed on 10 patients with advanced T-stage (T3-4 and N0-2) NPC. Computer tomography (CT) images of 2.5-mm slice thickness of the head and neck were acquired with the patient immobilized in semi-extended-head position. A 2D plan based on Ho’s technique, and an IMRT plan based on a 7-coplanar portals arrangement, were established for each patient. 2DRT was planned with the field borders and shielding drawn on the simulator radiograph with reference to bony landmarks, digitized, and entered into a planning computer for reconstruction of the 3D dose distribution. The 2DRT and IMRT treatment plans were evaluated and compared with respect to the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the targets and the organs-at-risk (OARs), tumor control probability (TCP), and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs). With IMRT, the dose coverage of the target was superior to that of 2DRT. The mean minimum dose of the GTV and PTV were increased from 33.7 Gy (2DRT) to 62.6 Gy (IMRT), and 11.9 Gy (2DRT) to 47.8 Gy (IMRT), respectively. The D₉₅ of the GTV and PTV were also increased from 57.1 Gy (2DRT) to 67 Gy (IMRT), and 45 Gy (2DRT) to 63.6 Gy (IMRT), respectively. The TCP was substantially increased to 78.5% in IMRT. Better protection of the critical normal organs was also achieved with IMRT. The mean maximum dose delivered to the brainstem and spinal cord were reduced significantly from 61.8 Gy (2DRT) to 52.8 Gy (IMRT) and 56 Gy (2DRT) to 43.6 Gy (IMRT), respectively, which were within the conventional dose limits of 54 Gy for brainstem and of 45 Gy for spinal cord. The mean maximum doses deposited on the PRV of the brainstem and spinal cord were 60.7 Gy and 51.6 Gy respectively, which were above the conventional dose limits. For the chiasm, the mean dose maximum and the dose to 5% of its volume were reduced from 64.3 Gy (2DRT) to 53.7 Gy (IMRT) and from 62.8 Gy (2DRT) to 48.7 Gy (IMRT), respectively, and the corresponding NTCP was reduced from 18.4% to 2.1%. For the temporal lobes, the mean dose to 10% of its volume (about 4.6 cc) was reduced from 63.8 Gy (2DRT) to 55.4 Gy (IMRT) and the NTCP was decreased from 11.7% to 3.4%. The therapeutic ratio for T3-4 NPC tumors can be significantly improved with IMRT treatment technique due to improvement both in target coverage and the sparing of the critical normal organ. Although the maximum doses delivered to the brainstem and spinal cord in IMRT can be kept at or below their conventional dose limits, the maximum doses deposited on the PRV often exceed these limits due to the close proximity between the target and OARs. In other words, ideal dosimetric considerations cannot be fulfilled in IMRT planning for T3-4 NPC tumors. A compromise of the maximal dose limit to the PRV of the brainstem and spinal cord would need be accepted if dose coverage to the targets is not to be unacceptably compromised. Dosimetric comparison with 2DRT plans show that these dose limits to PRV were also frequently exceeded in 2DRT plans for locally advanced NPC. A dedicated retrospective study on the incidence of clinical injury to neurological organs in a large series of patients with T3-4 NPC treated by 2DRT may provide useful reference data in exploring how far the PRV dose constraints may be relaxed, to maximize the target coverage without compromising the normal organ function.     

Comparative evaluation of treatment plan quality for a prototype biology-guided radiotherapy system in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

We aimed to compare prototype treatment plans for a new biology-guided radiotherapy (BgRT) machine in its intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) mode with those using existing IMRT delivery techniques in treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We retrospectively selected ten previous NPC patients treated in 33 fractions according to the NRG-HN001 treatment protocol. Three treatment plans were generated for each patient: a helical tomotherapy (HT) plan with a 2.5-cm jaw, a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan using 2 to 4 6-MV arc fields, and a prototype IMRT plan for a new BgRT system which uses a 6-MV photon beam on a ring gantry that rotates at 60 rotations per minute with a couch that moves in small incremental steps. Treatment plans were compared using dosimetric parameters to planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) as specified by the NRG-HN001 protocol. Plans for the three modalities had comparable dose coverage, mean dose, and dose heterogeneity to the primary PTV, while the prototype IMRT plans had greater dose heterogeneity to the non-primary PTVs, with the average homogeneity index ranging from 1.28 to 1.50 in the prototype plans. Six of all the 7 OAR mean dose parameters were lower with statistical significance in the prototype plans compared to the HT and VMAT plans with the other mean dose parameter being comparable, and all the 18 OAR maximum dose parameters were comparable or lower with statistical significance in the prototype plans. The average left and right parotid mean doses in the prototype plans were 10.5 Gy and 10.4 Gy lower than those in the HT plans, respectively, and were 5.1 Gy and 5.2 Gy lower than those in the VMAT plans, respectively. Compared to that with the HT and VMAT plans, the treatment time was longer with statistical significance with the prototype IMRT plans. Based on dosimetric comparison of ten NPC cases, the prototype IMRT plans achieved comparable or better critical organ sparing compared to the HT and VMAT plans for definitive NPC radiotherapy. However, there was higher dose heterogeneity to non-primary targets and longer estimated treatment time with the prototype plans.     

鼻咽癌束流调强放疗的腮腺保护剂量学研究

目的探讨不同鼻咽癌束流调强放疗计划对腮腺剂量分布的影响。方法在相同的剂量要求和限制下,比较鼻咽癌常规束流调强放射治疗计划与仅保护一侧腮腺时或腮腺扩大计划靶区（加2或3mm边缘）时的束流调强放射治疗计划。结果仅保护一侧腮腺的调强计划与常规计划比较,PTV70在靶区覆盖情况、均匀指数和适形指数方面均相似。PTV59.4的最小剂量大于常规计划（P〈0.01）,D95也得到提高（P〈0.01）。两个计划需保护的腮腺D50%VOL和Dmean相似。扩大腮腺计划靶区（加2或3mm边缘）的调强计划与常规计划比较：PTV70在靶区覆盖情况、均匀指数和适形指数方面均相似。然而从常规计划到腮腺加2mm边缘的调强计划再到加3mm边缘的调强计划,PTV59.4的Dmin和Dmean有下降的趋势,而脑干和脊髓的受量有增加的趋势。结论调强计划中腮腺保护困难时,可仅做保护一侧腮腺的束流调强放疗计划;估计腮腺可能产生明显的位置变化时,可考虑加大腮腺的计划靶区,以保证治疗过程腮腺始终能得到较好的保护。     

Dosimetric Comparison Between 2-Dimensional Radiation Therapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy in Treatment of Advanced T-Stage Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: To Treat Less or More in the Planning Organ-At-Risk Volume of the Brainstem and Spinal Cord

The aim of this study is to evaluate the deficiencies in target coverage and organ protection of 2-dimensional radiation therapy (2DRT) in the treatment of advanced T-stage (T3-4) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and assess the extent of improvement that could be achieved with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with special reference to of the dose to the planning organ-at-risk volume (PRV) of the brainstem and spinal cord. A dosimetric study was performed on 10 patients with advanced T-stage (T3-4 and N0-2) NPC. Computer tomography (CT) images of 2.5-mm slice thickness of the head and neck were acquired with the patient immobilized in semi-extended-head position. A 2D plan based on Ho’s technique, and an IMRT plan based on a 7-coplanar portals arrangement, were established for each patient. 2DRT was planned with the field borders and shielding drawn on the simulator radiograph with reference to bony landmarks, digitized, and entered into a planning computer for reconstruction of the 3D dose distribution. The 2DRT and IMRT treatment plans were evaluated and compared with respect to the dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of the targets and the organs-at-risk (OARs), tumor control probability (TCP), and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs). With IMRT, the dose coverage of the target was superior to that of 2DRT. The mean minimum dose of the GTV and PTV were increased from 33.7 Gy (2DRT) to 62.6 Gy (IMRT), and 11.9 Gy (2DRT) to 47.8 Gy (IMRT), respectively. The D₉₅ of the GTV and PTV were also increased from 57.1 Gy (2DRT) to 67 Gy (IMRT), and 45 Gy (2DRT) to 63.6 Gy (IMRT), respectively. The TCP was substantially increased to 78.5% in IMRT. Better protection of the critical normal organs was also achieved with IMRT. The mean maximum dose delivered to the brainstem and spinal cord were reduced significantly from 61.8 Gy (2DRT) to 52.8 Gy (IMRT) and 56 Gy (2DRT) to 43.6 Gy (IMRT), respectively, which were within the conventional dose limits of 54 Gy for brainstem and of 45 Gy for spinal cord. The mean maximum doses deposited on the PRV of the brainstem and spinal cord were 60.7 Gy and 51.6 Gy respectively, which were above the conventional dose limits. For the chiasm, the mean dose maximum and the dose to 5% of its volume were reduced from 64.3 Gy (2DRT) to 53.7 Gy (IMRT) and from 62.8 Gy (2DRT) to 48.7 Gy (IMRT), respectively, and the corresponding NTCP was reduced from 18.4% to 2.1%. For the temporal lobes, the mean dose to 10% of its volume (about 4.6 cc) was reduced from 63.8 Gy (2DRT) to 55.4 Gy (IMRT) and the NTCP was decreased from 11.7% to 3.4%. The therapeutic ratio for T3-4 NPC tumors can be significantly improved with IMRT treatment technique due to improvement both in target coverage and the sparing of the critical normal organ. Although the maximum doses delivered to the brainstem and spinal cord in IMRT can be kept at or below their conventional dose limits, the maximum doses deposited on the PRV often exceed these limits due to the close proximity between the target and OARs. In other words, ideal dosimetric considerations cannot be fulfilled in IMRT planning for T3-4 NPC tumors. A compromise of the maximal dose limit to the PRV of the brainstem and spinal cord would need be accepted if dose coverage to the targets is not to be unacceptably compromised. Dosimetric comparison with 2DRT plans show that these dose limits to PRV were also frequently exceeded in 2DRT plans for locally advanced NPC. A dedicated retrospective study on the incidence of clinical injury to neurological organs in a large series of patients with T3-4 NPC treated by 2DRT may provide useful reference data in exploring how far the PRV dose constraints may be relaxed, to maximize the target coverage without compromising the normal organ function.     

Will weight loss cause significant dosimetric changes of target volumes and organs at risk in nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy?

This study aimed to quantify dosimetric effects of weight loss for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Overall, 25 patients with NPC treated with IMRT were enrolled. We simulated weight loss during IMRT on the computer. Weight loss model was based on the planning computed tomography (CT) images. The original external contour of head and neck was labeled plan 0, and its volume was regarded as pretreatment normal weight. We shrank the external contour with different margins (2, 3, and 5 mm) and generated new external contours of head and neck. The volumes of reconstructed external contours were regarded as weight during radiotherapy. After recontouring outlines, the initial treatment plan was mapped to the redefined CT scans with the same beam configurations, yielding new plans. The computer model represented a theoretical proportional weight loss of 3.4% to 13.7% during the course of IMRT. The dose delivered to the planning target volume (PTV) of primary gross tumor volume and clinical target volume significantly increased by 1.9% to 2.9% and 1.8% to 2.9% because of weight loss, respectively. The dose to the PTV of gross tumor volume of lymph nodes fluctuated from −2.0% to 1.0%. The dose to the brain stem and the spinal cord was increased (p < 0.001), whereas the dose to the parotid gland was decreased (p < 0.001). Weight loss may lead to significant dosimetric change during IMRT. Repeated scanning and replanning for patients with NPC with an obvious weight loss may be necessary.