Optical Surface Guidance for External Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Cancer

In radiotherapy treatments for head and neck cancer, the use of a mask is recommended for patient immobilization. The mask completely covers the head and shoulders, ensuring reproducible positioning at every session. However, using a mask can be oppressive and anxiety-provoking for patients.

At the same time, technological developments have led us to use optical surface camera systems to position and monitor patients in the treatment room. In this way, if a movement exceeding the threshold is detected during a session, the treatment is automatically interrupted.

However, despite the use of the mask, movements are still possible underneath, and are not detected by the surface cameras.

The study's hypothesis is that the use of surface repositioning alone could guarantee reproducible treatment, as in combination with a thermoformed mask. In addition, eliminating the mask would mean greater comfort and improved quality of life for patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients over 18 years of age
• Patients undergoing palliative or curative treatment for oro-rhino-laryngeal cancer
• Patients with an indication for radiotherapy treatment, with or without complementary treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), with a number of sessions between 10 and 35
• Patients who have dated and signed an informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with uncontrollable movements
• Patients under psychiatric care
• Patients who do not understand or read French
• Patients participating in an interventional study testing another medical intervention
• Patients under guardianship, curatorship, safeguard of justice or deprived of liberty
• Pregnant or breast-feeding women
• Patients without social security coverage