Comparison of dose calculation approaches and clinical dose–response in image-guided head&neck brachytherapy of the oral cavity

Schaller S, Strnad V, Schweizer C, Lubgan D, Merten R, Fietkau R, Bert C, Karius A (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 53

Article Number: 100968

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2025.100968

Abstract

Purpose: Model-based dose calculation algorithms (MBDCAs) are increasingly applied in brachytherapy, but their considerations in dose–response analyses is still lacking. This study aimed to assess correlations between both TG-43 and MBDCA dosimetry and reports on clinical outcomes for oral cavity brachytherapy. Methods: We considered 158 patients with oral cavity cancer treated in our institution between 2012 and 2021. Survival outcomes and toxicity (soft tissue necrosis, osteoradionecrosis, mucositis, xerostomia) were reported for a median follow-up of 80 months (2–152 months). All clinical, TG-43 based treatment plans were re-calculated using a MBDCA integrated into our planning system. Differences considering several target volume, tissue, and bone dose parameters were evaluated. Parameter correlations with clinical outcomes and thresholds associated with increased toxicity were investigated. Results: Cumulative local recurrence, soft-tissue necrosis, osteoradionecrosis, mucositis, and xerostomia rate were 21 %, 22 %, 28 % and 79 % considering all patients. Substantial differences between MBDCA and TG-43 were observed, especially regarding high-dose areas with changes up to 19 %. A number of dose-toxicity correlations were observed, as for osteoradionecrosis (1.6 % vs. 10.3 % for bone D2ccm ≥ 59.3 Gy), soft tissue necrosis (16 % vs. 32 % for tissue D5ccm ≥ 87.7 Gy), and local recurrence (13 % vs. 25 % for dose non-uniformity ratio < 0.29) (using the MBDCA). Target volumes ≥ 10.2–11.8ccm were associated with increased rates of soft tissue necrosis and mucositis. Dosimetric thresholds and correlations differed between TG-43 and MBDCA. Conclusion: For oral cavity brachytherapy, several important dosimetric thresholds associated with increased toxicity were determined. MBDCAs for corresponding dose calculations should be advanced and used in clinical practice.

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How to cite

APA:

Schaller, S., Strnad, V., Schweizer, C., Lubgan, D., Merten, R., Fietkau, R.,... Karius, A. (2025). Comparison of dose calculation approaches and clinical dose–response in image-guided head&neck brachytherapy of the oral cavity. Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology, 53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctro.2025.100968

MLA:

Schaller, Sabrina, et al. "Comparison of dose calculation approaches and clinical dose–response in image-guided head&neck brachytherapy of the oral cavity." Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology 53 (2025).

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