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Utility of Dosimetric Contouring in Treatment Recommendations Following IMRT for Head and Neck Cancer

Estilo,_Cherry

Tuesday, October 26
5:45 – 6:15 p.m. CT
Utility of Dosimetric Contouring in Treatment Recommendations Following IMRT for Head and Neck Cancer
Cherry L. Estilo, DMD
New York

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is widely used around the world in the treatment of head and neck cancer. IMRT allows for conformal dose distributions around the tumor target while sparing surrounding critical structures. However, there is still inevitable radiation exposure to nearby healthy organs and tissues such as the salivary glands and the jaws. High radiation dose to the jaws is associated with increased post-RT complications, such as the significant complication of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Due to the intensity-modulated radiation therapy’s (IMRT) complex multibeam delivery, clinicians planning post-RT dental alveolar procedures (e.g., dental extractions, placement of dental implants) are often faced with challenges in assessing the dose delivered to the bone surrounding teeth or structures of interest. Dosimetric contouring determines the prescribed dose to the different regions of the maxilla and mandible. Information from contouring is invaluable to clinicians in making post-RT treatment recommendations and decisions.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees should be able to:

  • Describe intensity-modulated radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
  • Employ dosimetric contouring as a valuable tool in making post-treatment recommendations after IMRT.
  • Propose a nomogram to predict dose to the jaws after IMRT.

Biography: Cherry L. Estilo, DMD is a full-time Attending and Clinical Member in the Dental Service, Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and an Associate Professor of Surgery (Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) at The Weill Cornell Medical College, New York. She began her career at MSKCC in 1999 and has been there ever since. Since March 2006, she has served as the Director of the Dental Oncology Fellowship program at MSKCC and liaison for the rotation program with general practice dental residents of Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Estilo received her undergraduate degree from Cornell University. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania.