Proton therapy for maxillary sinus carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the dose-volume data of three-dimensional conformal proton therapy (3DCPT) versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for a paranasal sinus malignancy.

METHODS

3DCPT and IMRT plans were created for a T4N0 maxillary sinus carcinoma.

RESULTS

The target volume dose distributions were comparable for 3DCPT and IMRT. The mean and integral doses for all normal tissues were lower for 3DCPT. The maximum doses for both plans to the ipsilateral optic nerve/retina/lens, temporal lobe, pituitary, and brain exceeded tolerance doses. The contralateral parotid, lacrimal gland, and lens were avoided with 3DCPT. Neither 3DCPT nor IMRT exceeded the maximal tolerated dose for the brainstem, optic chiasm, contralateral temporal lobe, parotid, or lacrimal gland.

CONCLUSIONS

Both 3DCPT and IMRT sufficiently covered the target volume(s). Although 3DCPT reduced the mean and integral dose to all of the normal tissues, both 3DCPT and IMRT irradiated the ipsilateral optic structures beyond acceptable tolerance doses.