Evaluation of tumor shape variability in head-and-neck cancer patients over the course of radiation therapy using implanted gold markers.

Marcel Van Herk, Olga Hamming-Vrieze, Simon Robert van Kranen, Suzanne van Beek, Wilma Heemsbergen, Marcel van Herk, Michiel Wilhelmus Maria van den Brekel, Jan-Jakob Sonke, Coenraad Robert Nico Rasch

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: This study quantifies tumor shape variability in head-and-neck cancer patients during radiation therapy using implanted markers. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-seven patients with oropharyngeal tumors treated with (chemo)radiation were included. Helical gold markers (0.35 × 2 mm, 3-10/patient, average 6) were implanted around the tumor. Markers were identified on planning computed tomography (CT) and daily cone beam CT (CBCT). After bony anatomy registration, the daily vector length on CBCT in reference to the planning CT and daily marker movement perpendicular to the gross tumor volume (GTV) surface at planning CT (d(normal)) of each marker were analyzed. Time trends were assessed with linear regression of the (markers). In 2 patients, 2 markers were implanted in normal tissue to evaluate migration by measuring intermarker distances. RESULTS: Marker implantation was feasible without complications. Three-dimensional vectors (4827 measurements, mean 0.23 cm, interquartile ratio 0.24 cm) were highest in base of tongue sublocalization (P
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalInternational journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
    Volume84
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2012

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