Effect of Jaw Tracking During Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for Facial Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to analyze the dosimetric effects of jaw tracking during Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) planning for facial non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 50 patients with facial NMSC who underwent VMAT planning with or without jaw tracking. The target volume (TV) included the primary skin lesion with a 1-cm margin around the surface and a depth of 4 mm. A total of 55 Gy in 20 fractions was prescribed, and the plans were considered acceptable if the TV was covered by 95-105% of the isodose curve. A dosimetric comparison was performed for the volumes of the low-dose regions, which were defined as <50% of the prescription dose (V10-50%). Target coverage was evaluated using the homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI).

RESULTS: The patients' mean TV was 5.137 cc (range=1.03-15.89 cc). Jaw tracking resulted in mean volume reduction rates of 3.9%, 6.6% 10.6% and 13.8% for V40%, V30%, V20%, and V10%, respectively (all p<0.001). The volume change in V50% between the two groups was 2.7% (p=0.006). No significant differences were observed in HI (p=0.449) or CI (p=0.127).

CONCLUSION: The application of jaw tracking during VMAT for facial NMSC is associated with a significant reduction in the volume of low dose delivered in the radiation field (V10-50%), while maintaining target coverage. Future analyses should assess whether this volume difference affects treatment-related cosmetic outcomes.