Feasibility of VMAT and CBCT for Head and Neck Carcinomas

British Columbia Cancer Agency20 enrolled

Overview

This will be a prospective longitudinal study describing clinical throughput metrics and patient reported quality of life outcome measures for patients undergoing Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with and without Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for head and neck carcinoma at the British Columbia Cancer Agency. 1. VMAT for the treatment of patients with HNC will provide opportunities for image-guided radiotherapy using CBCT online correction to reduce systematic and random error. 2. Analysis of patient reported quality of life outcomes during VMAT, with and without CBCT acquisition, will be hypothesis generating.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Head and Neck Carcinoma

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Months

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * age greater than 18 years * undergoing radical radiation therapy for head and neck carcinoma at the BC Cancer Agency Exclusion Criteria: * treatment being offered is not for curative intent * patient has received previous radiation for head and neck cancer * patient has systemic lupus erythematosis or scleroderma * patients has other autoimmune connective tissue disorders

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Clinical efficiency for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery

Prospective work-flow metrics describing clinical efficiency for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery with and without cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition at the BCCA, generated from time requirements for treatment verification and delivery. The time spent by the patients at each stage of radiation therapy delivery will be recorded, including; time in radiation bunker, time in immobilization frame, kV or CBCT acquisition and online correction time, and beam on time

Time frame: After patient treated

Position verification

Summary description of position verification and online corrections for volumetric modulated arch therapy (VMAT) delivery with and without cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

Time frame: After patient treated

Secondary Outcomes

Quality of life

European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Head and Neck Cancer (EORTC QLQ - HN35) (23) (see Appendix V) and State Trait Anxiety Index (STAI)

Time frame: No time frame (ongoing)