Constraining the brachial plexus does not compromise regional control in oropharyngeal carcinoma

Radiation Oncology

Table 1 Brachial plexus constraints on recent Radiation Therapy Oncology Group intensity-modulated radiotherapy head and neck cancer protocols

Protocol	Brachial plexus constraint
RTOG 0022	None specified
RTOG 0025	None specified
RTOG 0522	Dmax ≤60 Gy
RTOG 0615	Dmax ≤66 Gy*
RTOG 0619	Dmax ≤66 Gy, D05 ≤60 Gy
RTOG 0912	Dmax ≤66 Gy to point source at least 0.03 cm³**
RTOG 1008	Dmax <60 Gy if no involved low neck nodes; <66 Gy if low neck involved

RTOG 1016 None specified.
*The treating radiation oncologist has the option of prescribing an intermediate dose of 63 Gy, PTV₆₃ in the lower neck close to the brachial plexus.
**Suggested dose limit that should not compromise tumor coverage.

ISSN: 1748-717X