This study aimed to reduce radiation-induced thyroid injury without compromising control of the cervical region by optimizing the delineation of the cervical lymph node drainage area.
Since the neck target area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is close to the thyroid gland, the average dose to the thyroid gland is usually around 54Gy, which is difficult to meet the protection requirements for thyroid protection. In the current guidelines, the inner edge of the common carotid artery is used as the inner boundary of the lymph nodes in levels III and IVa, and the lymphatic drainage area needs to include the inner edge of the common carotid artery. Several studies have found that the centers of positive lymph nodes in cervical regions III and IVa are located outside the inner border of the common carotid artery. In order to better protect the thyroid gland, the investigators have improved the delineation of the neck target area. For patients with negative lymph nodes in regions II and IVa (accounting for about 60% of the total patients), a modified neck target volume delineation method was used to define the inner boundary of regions III and IVa as the outer edge of the common carotid artery. For patients with positive lymph nodes in regions III and IVa (accounting for about 40% of the total patients), the inner boundary of regions III and IVa is defined as the inner edge of the common carotid artery or the outer edge of the thyroid. This study aimed to reduce radiation-induced thyroid injury without compromising control of the cervical region by optimizing the delineation of the cervical lymph node drainage area.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
320
Modified neck target volume delineation method was used to define the inner boundary of regions III and IVa as the outer edge of the common carotid artery.
Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital
Nanchang, None Selected, China
RECRUITINGRegional Recurrence-free Survival
From the date of diagnosis to the day of date of diagnosis and the date of regional relapse
Time frame: 3 years
Radiation-induced hypothyroidism
From the date of diagnosis to the day of date of diagnosis and the date of regional TSH \> upper limit of normal, FT4 normal or less than \< lower limit of normal
Time frame: 3 years
Overall Survival
From the date of diagnosis to any death, with patients unavailable for follow-up censored at the date of last follow-up
Time frame: 3 years
Progression-free Survival
From the date of diagnosis to the data of tumor progression or death (for any cause)
Time frame: 3 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.