Evaluation of Conformity and Homogeneity Indices Consistency Throughout the Course of Head and Neck Cancer Treatment With and Without Using Adaptive Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Conformity indices (CI) and homogeneity indices (HI) are important tools for evaluating treatment plan quality. In this study, we evaluate the consistency of these indices with respect to anatomic changes undergone by patients. Methods and Materials: Fifty-five patients with advanced head and neck cancer were treated with simultaneous integrated boost volumetric modulated arc therapy. The initial plan (iplan) then was projected on the new computed tomography (CT) and 2 adaptive plans (Aplans) for each patient were performed on the new CTs. A comparison of CI and HI between the iplan, hybrid plan (Hplan), and Aplan was performed. Results: There was a significant weight loss (P < .001) between CT1, CT2, and CT3, where the median weight at CT1 was 75.78 (68.95-83.42) kg, and 74.88 (68.35-82.2) kg at CT2 and 73.1 (67.6-80.7) kg at CT3. Also, gross tumor volume (GTV) showed significant decrease at CT1, CT2, and CT3. The initial GTV was 32.3 (21-58.6) cc and 28.24 (15.85-48.63) cc at CT2 and 25.12 (14.1-42.2) at CT3. In addition, there was a significant decrease in left parotid volume after 10 and 20 fractions; the median left parotid gland volume at CT1 was 31.04 (26.34-36.27) cc, then was 25.84 (19.19-28.59) cc after 10 fractions and 19.5 (13.53-22.25) cc after 20 fractions; the median right parotid volume at CT1 was 29.81 (24.6-38.75) cc and 22.38 (18.19-30.12) cc at CT2, then the volume fell to 17.74 (13.41-22.66) cc at CT3. Also, a significant increase in dose to organs at risk were noticed at Hplans, the median dose for brain stem at iplan was 5156 (4561-5324) cGy then increased to 5321 (4688-5545) cGy at Hplan1 then increased again to reach 5401 (4821-5812) cGy at Hplan2. The CI showed regression at Hplan1 and Hplan2 and then improvement at Aplan1 and Aplan2. The HI also showed regression in its value at the Hplans and then improved at the Aplans. Conclusions: Based on the results, we conclude that anatomic changes such as weight loss greatly affect the quality of plan, and with Aplans, we maintained the quality of plan by sustaining the values of CI and HI as in the iplan (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Radiation Oncology.