CT-based delineation of organs at risk in the head and neck region: DAHANCA, EORTC, GORTEC, HKNPCSG, NCIC CTG, NCRI, NRG Oncology and TROG consensus guidelines

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this project was to define consensus guidelines for delineating organs at risk (OARs) for head and neck radiotherapy for routine daily practice and for research purposes.

Methods: Consensus guidelines were formulated based on in-depth discussions of a panel of European, North American, Asian and Australian radiation oncologists.

Results: Twenty-five OARs in the head and neck region were defined with a concise description of their main anatomic boundaries. The Supplemental material provides an atlas of the consensus guidelines, projected on 1mm axial slices. The atlas can also be obtained in DICOM-RT format on request.

Conclusion: Consensus guidelines for head and neck OAR delineation were defined, aiming to decrease interobserver variability among clinicians and radiotherapy centers.

Keywords: Consensus delineation guidelines; Head and neck; Interobserver variability; Organs at risk.