Dosimetric impact of esophageal motion in esophagus-sparing radiotherapy of spinal metastases.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The phase III trial (NCT05109819) investigates whether esophagus-sparing radiotherapy (RT) reduces dysphagia in patients with spinal metastases. This retrospective simulation study evaluates the dosimetric impact of inter-fractional esophageal motion in this setting. Patient/materials and methods: Patients receiving daily image-guided RT on high-quality cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-equipped units between September 2023 and December 2024 were screened. Inclusion required five consecutive CBCTs with vertebrae T1-T10 in view and a visible esophagus. The esophagus was contoured on the planning CT (pCT) and five CBCTs. Standard and esophagus-sparing 25 Gy/5 fraction volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans were simulated for five thoracic targets. In esophag

SUBMITTER: Mann Nielsen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12476049 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature