Radiobiological assessment of nasopharyngeal cancer IMRT using various collimator angles and non-coplanar fields

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and radiobiological outcome of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) modalities using various collimator angles and non-coplanar fields for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Materials and methods: A 70-Gy planning target volume dose was administered for 30 NPC patients referred for IMRT. Standard IMRT plans were constructed based on the target and organs at risk (OARs) volume; and dose constraints recommended by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Using various collimator angles and non-coplanar fields, 11 different additional IMRT protocols were investigated. Homogeneity indexes (HIs) and conformation numbers (CNs) were calculated. Poisson and relative seriality models were utilised for estimating tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCPs), respectively. Results: Various collimator angles and non-coplanar fields had no significant effect on HI, CN and TCP, while significant effects were noted for some OARs, with a maximum mean dose (D-max). No significant differences were observed among the calculated NTCPs of all the IMRT protocols. However, the protocol with 10 degrees collimator angle (for five fields out of seven) and 8 degrees couch angle had the lowest NTCP. Furthermore, the standard and some of non-coplanar IMRT protocols led to the reduction in OARs D-max. Conclusions: Using appropriate standard/non-coplanar IMRT protocols for NPC treatment could potentially reduce the dose to the OARs and the probability of inducing secondary cancer in patients.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the clinical efficacy and radiobiological outcome of IMRT modalities for NPC, finding no significant effects on HI, CN, and TCP, but significant impacts on some OARs. Using appropriate IMRT protocols could potentially reduce the dose to the OARs and the probability of inducing secondary cancer in patients.