Impact of consensus guidelines on delineation of primary tumor clinical target volume (CTVp) for head and neck cancer: Results of a national review project.

Background And Purpose: A significant interobserver variability (IOV) for clinical target volume of the primary tumor (CTVp) delineation was shown in a previous national review project. Since then, international expert consensus guidelines (CG) for the delineation of CTVp were published. The aim of this follow-up study was to 1) objectify the extent of implementation of the CG, 2) assess its impact on delineation quality and consistency, 3) identify any remaining ambiguities.

Historical aspects of iodine deficiency control.

In 1895, iodine was characterized as an essential element of thyroid tissue by Baumann. The efficacy of iodine to prevent goiter was demonstrated by Marine in Northern USA in 1916-1920. Severe endemic goiter and cretinism had been almost entirely eliminated from continental Western Europe and Northern America before the 1930's; however large populations elsewhere and even some places in Western Europe (Sicily) were still affected up to the 2000's.