Implementation of meta-analysis approach, comparing conventional radiotherapy, and proton beam therapy treating head and neck cancer

J Cancer Res Ther. 2020 Apr-Jun;16(3):594-599. doi: 10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_111_19.

Abstract

Introduction: Radiation therapy is commonly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer in both the definitive and postoperative settings. Proton therapy, due to its intrinsic physical properties, has the ability to reduce the integral dose delivered to the patients while maintaining highly conformal target coverage.

Materials and methods: .A literature search was performed on scientific databases, and Preferred Reporting Items for Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed to compute results. Only original studies were selected. Selected studies were used to extract some proposed data for comparison, dosimetry, site, complications, and survival.

Results: Proton beam therapy technology can be used against the conventional radiotherapy and shows satisfactory results. Yet conventional therapy is not less advantageous considering the amount of work available for any cross interpretations.

Conclusion: Comparative preplanning could be beneficial considering multiple therapies for ruling out the best treatment outcomes that could be expected.

Keywords: Conventional radiation therapy; meta-analysis; proton beam therapy; proton therapy; radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Health Plan Implementation
  • Humans
  • Proton Therapy / methods*
  • Radiometry / methods
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Radiotherapy, Conformal / methods*
  • Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome