Adaptive and image guided radiation

The radiation is planned using advanced image guided techniques, ensuring that the tumor area received a high radiation dose and the surrounding organs receive as little radiation as possible. This helps us reach the maximum level of tumor control with as few side effects as possible (problems swallowing, dry mouth, sore throat). The treatment also leads to a better quality of life after radiation treatment. Two trials are currently looking into these techniques. The SUSPECT trial tries to limit the radiation delivered to the neck to one-sided radiation only using a SPECT scan. The ARTFORCE trial uses repeated PET scans to adapt the radiation to the tumor to provide a high radiation dose.