FEASIBILITY OF TREATING SUPERFICIAL COMPLEX TARGETS USING ADVANCED RADIATION THERAPY PLANNING

Abstract

Aim Superficial targets are those which either is on skin surface or within 1-2cm of skin
surface. Complexity arises if the target is widespread and situated in conjunction with vital normal
structures. Here we discuss three situations, were we used megavoltage photons to treat scalp, face
and combined scalp and face lesions. Materials and methods -One case is a verrucous carcinoma of
scalp after excision of the tumours treated with radical radiation. He had good response with radiation
and is on regular follow up. Next one is peripheral T cell lymphoma of the face which was resistant to
chemotherapy. He also had excellent response to radiation and good palliation of symptoms, but due
to the biology of the disease, he developed widespread disease. And a rare angiosarcoma of face
and scalp, who was inoperable, and underwent PET-CT based planning for his lesion. He had
satisfactory regression of the lesions. Results - Good target coverage with acceptable normal tissue
constraints was achieved in all the three cases and there was a good clinical regression of the
tumours. Thus with modern planning techniques, complex targets can be treated adequately.
Conclusion - With improved technology complex superficial targets can be treated adequately with
high energy photon beams.