Application value of image-guided radiotherapy in reducing setup errors of head and neck tumors: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical value of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in reducing setup errors and acute radiation-induced adverse reactions in patients with head and neck tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 87 patients who underwent radiotherapy for head and neck tumors. Patients were divided into an IGRT group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 42). Setup errors, acute adverse reactions, and treatment completion rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the IGRT group demonstrated significantly smaller setup errors in all directions (P < 0.001) and lower incidences of ≥ Grade 2 dermatitis (24.4% vs. 45.2%, P = 0.041), ≥ Grade 3 mucositis (20.0% vs. 40.5%, P = 0.036), and ≥ Grade 2 xerostomia (17.8% vs. 38.1%, P = 0.033). The treatment completion rate was higher in the IGRT group (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: IGRT effectively reduces setup errors, decreases the incidence of moderate to severe acute adverse reactions, and improves treatment completion rates in radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, demonstrating favorable clinical practicality.