A treatment planning analysis of inverse-planned and forward-planned intensity-modulated radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Purpose: To compare dose-volume histograms of target volumes and organs at risk in 57 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with inverse- (IP) or forward-planned (FP) intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT).

Methods And Materials: The DVHs of 57 patients with NPC with IMRT with or without chemotherapy were reviewed. Thirty-one patients underwent IP IMRT, and 26 patients underwent FP IMRT.

A population-based atlas and clinical target volume for the head-and-neck lymph nodes.

Purpose: To develop a population-based three-dimensional lymph node target volume of the head and neck.

Methods And Materials: The T2 weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images of 35 patients with known head and neck cancer were reviewed. An experienced head and neck radiologist marked each lymph node (LN) electronically.