The accuracy of target delineation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caldas-Magalhaes, Joana; Kooij, Nina; Ligtenberg, Hans; Jager, Elise A.; Schakel, Tim; Kasperts, Nicolien; Pameijer, Frank A.; Terhaard, Chris H. J.; Janssen, Luuk M.; van Diest, Paul J.; Philippens, Marielle E. P.; Raaijmakers, Cornelis P. J.
• Is Part Of: Acta oncologica. Volume 54:Number 8(2015)
• Page Start: 1181
• Page End: 1187
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.992
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0284-186X

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background and purpose.</bold> To determine the spatial correspondence between the gross tumor volume (GTV) delineated on computer tomography (CT) and the actual tumor on histopathology.</p> <p> <bold>Material and methods.</bold> Sixteen patients with T3 or T4 laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer underwent a CT scan before total laryngectomy. The GTV was delineated on CT by three independent observers and by consensus between the three observers. After surgery, whole-mount hematoxylin-eosin stained (H&E) sections were obtained. One pathologist delineated the tumor in the H&E sections (tumor<sub>H&E</sub>). The reconstructed specimen was registered to the CT scan in order to compare the GTV to the tumor<sub>H&E</sub> in three dimensions. The overlap between the GTV and the tumor<sub>H&E</sub> was calculated and the distance between the volumes was determined.</p> <p> <bold>Results.</bold> Tumor tissue was delineated in 203 of 516 H&E sections. For 14 patients a detailed analysis could be performed. The GTV volume was on average 1.7 times larger than the volume of the tumor<sub>H&E</sub>. The mean coverage of the tumor<sub>H&E</sub> by the consensus GTV was 88%. tumor<sub>H&E</sub> tissue was found at 1.6 mm to 12.9 mm distance outside the GTV depending on observer and patient.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions.</bold> GTVs delineated on CT for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer were 1.7 times larger than the tumor. Complete coverage of the tumor by the GTV was, however, not obtained.</p> </abstract>