In vivo dosimetry in head and neck cancer radiotherapy patients using an intraoral stent: prospective cohort.

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the radiation dose in the oral cavity structures (through in vivo dosimetry and treatment planning system) of head and neck cancer patients; and secondarily, evaluate sialometry and oral mucositis.Study designThis is a prospective cohort study with patients over 18 years old, diagnosed with oral cavity and major salivary glands cancer, treated with radiotherapy. Group A patients used an intraoral stent (n = 14), and those in Group B (n = 14) did not. In Group A, in vivo dosimetry was performed by positioning 2 thermoluminescent dosimeters in the intraoral stent; unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow were measured; and oral mucositis was evaluated.ResultsIn vivo dosimetry demonstrated higher doses in the tumoral area in comparison with the opposite tumor area (p ConclusionThe intraoral stent was associated with opposite tumor area lower doses, measured using in vivo dosimetry, the first time this method was applied in studies on this device. Individuals treated with the intraoral stent presented higher salivary flows during and after radiotherapy.