http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/7429/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20697/ 2010-04-06T00:00:00Z To apply high-quality hyperthermia treatment to tumours at deep locations in the head and neck (H&N), we have designed and built a site-specific phased-array applicator. Earlier, we demonstrated its features in parameter studies, validated those by phantom measurements and clinically introduced the system. In this paper we will critically reviewour first clinical experiences and demonstrate the pivotal role of hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP). Three representative patient cases (thyroid, oropharynx and nasal cavity) are selected and discussed. Treatment planning, the treatment, interstitially measured temperatures and their interrelation are analysed from a physics point of view. Treatments lasting 1 h were feasible and well tolerated and no acute treatment-related toxicity has been observed. Maximum temperatures measured are in the range of those obtained during deep hyperthermia treatments in the pelvic region but mean temperatures are still to be improved. Further, we found that simulated power absorption correlated well with measured temperatures illustrating the validity of our treatment approach of using energy profile optimizations to arrive at higher temperatures. This is the first data proving that focussed heating of tumours in the H&N is feasible. Further, HTP proved a valuable tool in treatment optimization. Items to improve are (1) the transfer of HTP settings into the clinic and (2) the registration of the thermal dose, i.e. dosimetry. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20698/ 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z To apply high-quality hyperthermia treatment to tumours at deep locations in the head and neck (H&N), we have designed and built a site-specific phased-array applicator. Earlier, we demonstrated its features in parameter studies, validated those by phantom measurements and clinically introduced the system. In this paper we will critically reviewour first clinical experiences and demonstrate the pivotal role of hyperthermia treatment planning (HTP). Three representative patient cases (thyroid, oropharynx and nasal cavity) are selected and discussed. Treatment planning, the treatment, interstitially measured temperatures and their interrelation are analysed from a physics point of view. Treatments lasting 1 h were feasible and well tolerated and no acute treatment-related toxicity has been observed. Maximum temperatures measured are in the range of those obtained during deep hyperthermia treatments in the pelvic region but mean temperatures are still to be improved. Further, we found that simulated power absorption correlated well with measured temperatures illustrating the validity of our treatment approach of using energy profile optimizations to arrive at higher temperatures. This is the first data proving that focussed heating of tumours in the H&N is feasible. Further, HTP proved a valuable tool in treatment optimization. Items to improve are (1) the transfer of HTP settings into the clinic and (2) the registration of the thermal dose, i.e. dosimetry. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/29424/ 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z HDR monotherapy for prostate cancer consists of four fractions. The first fraction is delivered with online TRUS-based treatment planning. For the last three fractions the treatment plan is based on a CT-scan acquired in between fractions 1 and 2. The patient position (high lithotomy, rectal US probe) during TRUS-guided catheter implantation and first fraction differs from the patient position in the CT-scan and the remaining three fractions (lowered legs, no TRUS probe). This study describes the effect of posture changes on dose distributions when a plan designed for the TRUS anatomy is applied to the CT-scan anatomy. The aim is to quantify dosimetrical errors that would result from skipping the use of a planning CT-scan, and rely for all fractions on the TRUS plan. Such a procedure would substantially reduce the involved workload, and would increase patient comfort. For three prostate cancer patients, images were acquired during TRUS-guided catheter implantation. Furthermore, a CT-scan (no US probe in rectum, different position of legs) was acquired and matched with the TRUS set. On both TRUS and CT, prostate, urethra and rectum were delineated and all catheters were traced. For each patient, an optimized treatment plan was designed using TRUS images and contours. Catheters with obtained dwell positions of the TRUS plan were transferred individually to the catheter positions in the CT. Changes in dose distribution due to relocation of catheters were evaluated using DVHs. For all patients the dose distributions changed significantly due to rearrangement of the catheters, having most impact on the urethra (maximum observed change: 32% volume receiving ≥120% of the prescribed dose) and a reduction of PTV coverage (6-28%). Implant deformation when changing from TRUS patient set-up to CT set-up affected negatively the quality of optimized treatment plans. Inclusion of more patients in this study was planned, but because of the observed strong negative effects it is already concluded that the TRUS plan cannot be used for the last three fractions with a deviating patient set-up. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20653/ 2007-11-01T00:00:00Z The purpose of this work was to define all features, and show the potential, of the novel HYPERcollar applicator system for hyperthermia treatments in the head and neck region. The HYPERcollar applicator consists of (1) an antenna ring, (2) a waterbolus system and (3) a positioning system. The specific absorption rate (SAR) profile of this applicator was investigated by performing infra-red measurements in a cylindrical phantom. Mandatory patient-specific treatment planning was performed as an object lesson to a patient with a laryngeal tumour and an artificial lymph node metastasis. Comfort tests with healthy volunteers have revealed that the applicator provides sufficient comfort to maintain in treatment position for an hour: the standard hyperthermia treatment duration in our centre. By phantom measurements, we established that a central focus in the neck can be obtained, with 50% iso-SAR lengths of 3.5 cm in transversal directions (x/y) and 9–11 cm in the axial direction (z). Using treatment planning by detailed electromagnetic simulations, we showed that the SAR pattern can be optimised to enable simultaneous encompassing of a primary laryngeal tumour and a lymph node metastasis at the 25% iso-SAR level. This study shows that the applicator enables a good control, and sufficient possibilities for optimisation, of the SAR pattern. In an ongoing clinical feasibility study, we will investigate the possibilities of heating various target regions in the neck with this apparatus. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20654/ 2007-05-01T00:00:00Z Abstract Purpose: Definition of all features and the potential of the novel HYPERcollar applicator system for hyperthermia treatments in the head and neck (H&N) region. Methods and Materials: The HYPERcollar applicator consists of 1) an antenna ring, 2) a waterbolus system and 3) a positioning system. The specific absorption rate (SAR) profile of this applicator is investigated by performing infra-red (IR) measurements in a cylindrical phantom. Mandatory patient-specific treatment planning is performed as an object lesson to a patient with a laryngeal tumour and an artificial lymph node metastasis. Results: The comfort tests with healthy volunteers have revealed that the applicator provides su±cient comfort to maintain in treatment position for an hour: in our center the standard hyperthermia treatment duration. We further established that a central focus in the neck can be obtained, with 50% iso-SAR lengths of 3.5cm in transversal directions and 9-11cm in the axial direction (z). Using treatment planning by detailed electromagnetic simulations, we showed that the SAR pattern can be optimized to enable simultaneous encompassing a primary laryngeal tumour and a lymph node metastasis at the 25% iso-SAR level. Conclusions: A site-specific H&N applicator was designed that enables good control and sufficient possibilities for optimizing the SAR pattern. In an ongoing clinical feasibility study we will investigate the possibilities of heating various target regions in the neck with this apparatus. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/10239/ 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z STUDY OBJECTIVES: Relapse-free survival in patients with sulcus superior tumors. DESIGN: Prospective registration study. SETTING: Department of surgical oncology of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-one patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy (46 Gy), lobectomy and chest-wall resection, and intraoperative radiotherapy (10 Gy). RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 18 months, 18 patients (85%) were free from locoregional relapse, while 8 patients were still alive. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that this protocol can achieve excellent local tumor control and can even be used for palliative treatment.