Abstract

Objective: To assess and compare the dosimetric outcomes of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in treating stage T4 esophageal cancer (EC), with a focus on sparing organs at risk (OARs).
Methodology: Data of esophageal cancer (EC) patients (n=20, mean age=54, S.D±7 ) were taken from cancer center during 2024. Treatment plans of 3D-CRT and IMRT were evaluated using ECLIPSE software. Statistically, paired samples t-test was performed using Origin-Pro software to compare the means of dosimetric indices of IMRT versus 3D-CRT.
Results: IMRT provided a significant protection for OARs, decreasing the maximal dose 8.17% (p=0.01) and the mean dose 19.98% to the spinal cord. Lung doses also decreased significantly in D1% of 3.13% (p=0.09), D5% of 20.94% (p=0.07), and D95% of 32.2% (p=0.01). Furthermore, IMRT treatment plans of V-20% and V-30% comparison reduced 7.95% and 28.01% dose to lung volumes.
Conclusion: IMRT demonstrated statistically superior target dose delivery compared to 3D-CRT in all critical dosimetric outcomes including conformity, homogeneity, and uniformity indices for stage T4 esophageal cancer, while maintaining effective normal tissue protection for the spinal cord and lungs

Key words: Esophageal cancer( EC), dose calculation, IMRT, 3D-CRT.