Abstract
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an exciting new modality in radiation therapy. The head and neck region is an ideal target for this new technology for several reasons. First, IMRT offers the potential for improved tumor control through delivery of high doses to the target volume. Second, because of sharp dose gradients, IMRT results in the relative sparing of normal structures in the head and neck region. Third, organ motion is virtually absent in the head and neck region, so, with proper immobilization, treatment can be delivered accurately. Although this is a relatively new technology, preliminary studies show excellent dosimetric profiles and clinical results. Salivary gland sparing has also resulted in reduced incidence and severity of xerostomia. Early reports of improvement in tumor control with better side effect profiles versus conventional techniques are promising, but will need to be confirmed with longer follow-up.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
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Carboplatin / administration & dosage
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / secondary
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
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Cisplatin / administration & dosage
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Disease-Free Survival
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Female
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Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
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Follow-Up Studies
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Humans
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Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
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Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
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Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy
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Lymphatic Metastasis
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
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Neoplasm Staging
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Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / pathology*
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Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
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Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy
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Osteoradionecrosis / etiology
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Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
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Radiotherapy Dosage
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Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated* / adverse effects
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Retrospective Studies
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Salvage Therapy
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Carboplatin
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Paclitaxel
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Cisplatin
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Fluorouracil