Predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer in patients treated with volumetric modulated radiation treatment: A dose–volume analysis

Background The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of mucositis in oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer after definitive or adjuvant volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) +/− chemotherapy. Methods Fifty patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed for the following parameters as potential predictors of mucositis ≥ G2: total oral mucosa and oral mucosa minus target high‐low radiation dose regions (planning target volumes [PTVs]), mean dose (D mean ), maximum dose (D max ), chemotherapy, weight loss, and dysphagia. Results Mucositis ≥ G2 was found to be statistically related to chemotherapy, weight loss, dysphagia ≥ G2, total oral mucosa D mean ≥50 Gy and D max ≥65 Gy, V 45 Gy >40%, V 50 Gy >30%, and V 55 Gy >20% of the oral mucosa minus target PTVs. A ratio between total oral mucosa and oral mucosa minus target PTVs >2.5 is related to G3 mucositis ( p = .03). Conclusion New parameters were found as predictors of moderate‐severe mucositis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38 : E815–E819, 2016