ABSTRACT
Purpose: The study aimed to compare the radiobiological and dosimetric parameters between sequential boost (SEQB) and simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) treatment regimen using intensity-modulated arc therapy technique in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer (LAHNC) patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 previously untreated LAHNC patients were randomized into SIB (n= 11) and SEQB (n = 13) arms. The planning computed tomography data set was transferred to the treatment planning system. All the target volumes and organ at risk volumes were delineated. Single plan for SIB group and three plans (three phases) were generated for SEQB group of patients. Radiobiological and dosimetric parameters were compared. Results: The BED10(planned) value for high-risk (HR) planning target volume (PTV) was same in both groups, whereas for intermediate-risk (IR) PTV and low-risk (LR) PTV, the values were higher in SEQB arm than SIB arm. The V95 values were 100% for all the target volumes in both arms of patients. The average D100 value for gross target volume, HR PTV, and IR PTV was higher in SEQB arm than that in the SIB arm. The average D100 value for LR PTV was higher in the SIB arm compared to that of the SEQB arm. The BED10(achieved) was calculated using D100 values of target volumes. The difference of BED10(achieved) values between SEQB arm and SIB arm further increased than the BED10(planned) values for all target volumes. The maximum doses for spinal cord, spinal cord planning risk volume, and brain stem were within the tolerance dose in both groups of patients. The left and right parotid glands sparing was comparable in both groups of patients. Average integral dose was higher in the SIB group than SEQB group. The average total monitor unit per fraction was higher in the SEQB arm than that in the SIB arm. Conclusion: SIB regimen may be considered as more logical and efficient over SEQB regimen in the treatment of LAHNC with comparable radiobiological and dosimetric parameters
ABSTRACT
Fungal infections such as otomycosis have been reported decades back. Distribution of this particular disease has been reported worldwide from the areas having a hot and humid environment especially tropical and subtropical zone. This study included 244 patients of suspected otomycosis from January 2017 to June 2018, in which the presence of fungal agents was determined by mycological examination. The mycological investigation revealed A. niger and Candida as predominant species. Incidence in the male population was higher than females. Otorrhea and pruritis were the common symptoms presented by patients. Several risk factors associated with otomycosis including moisture, broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents use, topical ear drops and frequent bathing or swimming was reported. Amphotericin B was found to be more sensitive followed by voriconazole during antifungal susceptibility testing. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of otomycosis with emphasis on involved etiologic agents and their antifungal sensitivity pattern.
ABSTRACT
Extracanalicular temporal bone Osteomas are rare slow growing benign bone tumors of lamellar bone.Osteomas are commonly found in fronto-ethmoid region. In the temporal bone, they mostly occur in canalicular portion (EAC), but are very rare in extracanalicular portion of temporal bone. They are mostly asymptomatic and treatment is required mostly for cosmetic reasons. We report here an isolated case of extracanicular osteoma of temporal bone due to its rarity in world literature and unusual site of presentation.