A dosimetric analysis of radiation dose to normal structures in head and neck cancers treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy

A retrospective dosimetric analysis of individual Central Nervous System (CNS) structures like posterior fossa (cerebellum), brainstem and spinal cord was performed and the results were compared for 3DCRT and IMRT treatment plans. IMRT delivers higher radiation dose to CNS structures compared to 3DCRT. Dose-volume atlases of the same structures indicate that regions representing larger volumes and higher doses to each structure are consistent with a higher incidence of acute fatigue in patients treated with IMRT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma during phase III parotid sparing radiotherapy trial PARSPORT. So this needs further prospective studies correlating the clinical effects (fatigue) with the dose to CNS structures