Dosimetric distribution to tooth-bearing areas in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: A pilot study

Sun Yung Bak, X. Sharon Qi, James A. Kelly, Sherri Alexander, Yunro Chung, Samvel Gyurdzhyan, Lauren L. Patton, Steve P. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives Dosimetric distribution of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to tooth-bearing areas for common head and neck (H&N) cancer sites were analyzed to facilitate minimization of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) risk through preradiation dental treatment planning. Study Design Fifty-four patients received IMRT with prescribed doses ranging from 6000 centigrays (cGy) (adjuvant) to 6930 cGy (primary) to treat base of tongue (BOT), tonsil, larynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers. The average maximal radiation dose delivered was recorded in tooth-bearing areas (anteriors, premolars, and first, second, and third molars) of the maxilla and mandible. Results All tooth-bearing areas in laryngeal cancer cases received less than 2500 cGy. Maxillary and mandibular molar regions for BOT, tonsil, and hypopharynx cancers received 5000 cGy or higher. In nasopharynx cancers, maxillary teeth received higher doses than mandibular teeth. Conclusions Among 5 H&N subsites, mandibular molar regions for BOT, tonsil, and hypopharynx cancers received higher IMRT doses on average, posing the greatest ORN risk.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)43-48
Number of pages6
JournalOral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Volume121
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Oral Surgery
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Dentistry (miscellaneous)
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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