Guidelines for delineation of lymphatic clinical target volumes for high conformal radiotherapy: head and neck region
2011

Guidelines for Lymphatic Target Volume in Head and Neck Radiotherapy

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vorwerk Hilke, Hess Clemens F

Primary Institution: University Hospital Göttingen

Hypothesis

The article aims to develop an atlas for delineating clinical target volumes for head and neck tumors receiving radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The study provides guidelines for accurately delineating lymphatic clinical target volumes to improve radiotherapy outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study emphasizes the importance of accurate target volume delineation in improving treatment outcomes for head and neck cancer.
  • Guidelines were developed based on a comprehensive review of existing literature and anatomical knowledge.

Takeaway

This study helps doctors know where to aim radiation for head and neck cancer to make sure they treat all the bad cells while avoiding healthy ones.

Methodology

The authors reviewed literature and created an atlas based on CT images to define lymphatic clinical target volumes for head and neck tumors.

Potential Biases

Potential bias exists due to the reliance on retrospective data and the variability in surgical techniques for neck dissection.

Limitations

The guidelines are based on retrospective data, which may introduce bias due to selected patient populations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1748-717X-6-97

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