Correlation between plan quality improvements and reduced acute dysphagia and xerostomia in the definitive treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: To evaluate plan quality using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (SS-IMRT) techniques and for patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods: Treatment plans for patients treated definitively for stages I-IVb, OPSCC between December 2009 and August 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Dosimetric endpoints of involved organs-at-risk (OARs) were retrieved from clinical plans. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scores of acute toxicities were compared.

Results: Two-hundred twenty-two patients were identified with 134 and 88 receiving SS-IMRT and VMAT with median follow-up time of 23.0 and 7.9 months, respectively. The dosimetric endpoints of the OARs were significantly improved in VMAT cohort, which translated into significantly lower rates of grade 2 or higher acute dysphagia and xerostomia.

Conclusion: Improvements in stages I-IVb, oropharyngeal cancer plan quality are associated with reduced grade ≥ 2 acute dysphagia and xerostomia.

Keywords: acute radiation induced toxicity; oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma; radiation therapy; step-and-shoot intensity-modulate radiation therapy; volumetric-modulated arc therapy.