PURPOSE: Clinical phase III trials have shown the benefit of adding @entity221 to radiotherapy and chemotherapy for @entity135 ( @entity498 ). The HYPERcollar, a functional prototype capable of applying @entity221 to the entire @entity498 region was developed. Specific absorption rate-based @entity221 treatment planning (HTP) is used to optimise HYPERcollar treatments. Hence, besides treatment quality, reproduction and reproducibility of the HTP are also pivotal. In the current work we analysed the impact of key parameters on treatment quality and completely redesigned the mechanical layout of the HYPERcollar for improved treatment quality and @entity1 comfort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The requirements regarding @entity1 position and the water bolus shape were quantified by simulation studies. The complete mechanical redesign was based on these requirements and non-modellable improvements were experimentally validated. RESULTS: From simulation studies we imposed the required positioning accuracy to be within   5   mm. Simulation studies also showed that the water bolus shape has an important impact on treatment quality. Solutions to meet the requirements were 1) a redesign of the applicator, 2) a redesign of the water bolus, and 3) a renewed positioning strategy. Experiments were used to demonstrate whether the solutions meet the requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The HYPERcollar redesign improves water bolus shape, stability and skin contact. The renewed positioning strategy allows for positioning of the @entity1 within the required precision of   5   mm. By clinically introducing the new design, we aim at improving not only treatment quality and reproducibility, but also @entity1 comfort and @entity12168 , which are all important for a better @entity221 treatment quality.

Quality and comfort in XXXX : A redesign according to clinical experience and simulation studies.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patient'] @entity135 :: ('MESH:D006258', 'Disease') :: ['head and neck cancer'] @entity498 :: ('MESH:C538322', 'Disease') :: ['H_N'] @entity12168 :: ('MESH:C562385', 'Disease') :: ['operator handling'] @entity221 :: ('MESH:D005334', 'Disease') :: ['hyperthermia']
@entity135 :: (MESH:D006258,Disease) :: ['head and neck hyperthermia']
