Chapters authored
Volumetric and Dosimetric Inconstancy of Parotid Glands and Tumor in Head and Neck Cancer during IMRT
The treatment of head and neck cancer using external beam radiotherapy is commonly done with three field techniques, which involves bilateral parallel opposed beams and one anterior lower neck field. Conventional treatment is based on 2D fluoroscopic images where there is no facility to shield the organs at risk like parotid. The most common side effect of such conventional radiotherapy treatment is xerostomia. The incidence of radiotherapy-related xerostomia varies depending on the specific radiotherapy technique used and the dose delivered to the parotid glands. Dosimetric variation in the tumor and normal tissue including parotid glands due to volume shrinkage during intensity modulated radiotherapy is the leading challenges in radiotherapy delivery in head and neck malignancy in terms of acute and late radiation related toxicities. Therefore if the planning target volume and normal tissue anatomy are changing with time during intensity modulated radiotherapy, it would be beneficial and acceptable to adapt our treatment delivery to minimize normal tissue toxicities where it really matters.
Part of the book: Radiation Oncology
Radiotherapy in Cervical Cancer
Radiotherapy plays a significant role in the management of cervix cancer. In recent decades, there have been several advancements in radiation therapy treatment techniques. Moving from conventional two-dimensional techniques to advanced techniques like 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated radiation therapy (VMAT) has led to improvement in the treatment outcomes. The aim of radiation therapy is achieved by these advanced techniques, which deliver optimal tumoricidal doses to tumor volumes and minimal doses to the normal tissues around the tumor and can reduce toxicity more effectively than the conventional techniques. These external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) techniques along with brachytherapy play a significant role in the treatment of gynaecological cancer. Compared to point-based dose brachytherapy planning, better local control and lower toxicity have been associated with advanced image-based brachytherapy.
Part of the book: Cervical Cancer