Does adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer favorably impact dosimetric, clinical, and toxicity outcomes?: A review.

Abstract

The current review aims to summarize the international experience of the impact of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetry and clinical and toxicity outcomes. Additionally, it might trigger Radiation Oncologists to use ART and evaluate whether ART improves target volume coverage and/or normal tissue sparing and, consequently, therapeutic results. We conducted an electronic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and ScienceDirect from January 2007 to January 2023. The search adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and employed keywords such as ART, HNC, parotid gland, and target volume. Furthermore, we examined the reference lists for studies pertinent to the present review. This study included both retrospective and prospective studies that were considered for inclusion. ART replanning appears to be a sustainable strategy to minimize toxicity by improving normal tissue sparing. Furthermore, it can enhance target volume coverage by correctly determining the specific dose to be delivered to the tumor. In conclusion, this review confirmed that ART benefits dosimetric, clinical/therapeutic, and toxicity outcomes.