University Hospitals Dorset Leads Innovation in SGRT for Head and Neck Radiotherapy

In recent years, the adoption of Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) has transformed how radiotherapy is delivered across multiple treatment sites. One area seeing particularly innovative applications is head and neck cancers. At University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, a transformative step is being made in head and neck radiotherapy by combining AlignRT with a maskless DSPS system from Macromedics. 

In an interview, Josh Naylor, Principal Physicist at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, shared how the team is using these innovative technologies to advance head and neck radiotherapy. 

How did this innovative approach come about? 

“At ESTRO last year… I heard about the work withthe DSPS maskless shell and SGRT that was being done by Tilburg. I went back very excited about that and wanted to bring that to our patients in the UK and Poole.” 

The unique combination of the MacroMedics DSPS prominent shell, which contours to the back of the head and neck while supporting the shoulders and leaving them exposed along with SGRT was an innovative approch that allows a better patient experience whilst providing highly accurate treatments This setup enables patients to maintain a neutral head position and provides clear visibility of the face, chin, and shoulders. SGRT is used for set-up and then for continuously monitoring the patient throughout treatment. With AlignRT’s automatic beam-hold feature, treatment is paused if any clinically significant movement is detected, ensuring radiation is delivered only when the patient is correctly positioned. 

How does SGRT compare to traditional approaches for patient positioning? 

“SGRT is doing a much better job than tattoos and lasers… with the traditional head and neck shell, you are setting up to mark on the head and neck shell and not on the actual patient. The positioning of the patient under the mask may be slightly different each day and may change as the patient undergoes treatment due to swelling and weigh loss. When you remove the mask you can use SGRT, which is setting the actual patient surface up.” 

And even with these enhancements, treatment times remain efficient: “We’re not really adding time to the beam delivery, which is good because we’re a busy clinic with lots of patients to treat.” 

And thanks to the DSPS system and SGRT, patient motion remains within tight tolerances: “It’s keeping the patient and the beams on less than 2mm… and SGRT is not gating it too often.” 

What has been the patient response to using this new maskless approach compared to traditional closed-face masks? 

“These masks are a better experience for our patients. They’re more comfortable, less claustrophobic, and the treatment is equivalent – or if not better -than the closed-face mask in terms of accuracy. Feedback from patient questionnaires highlights the positive impact of this approach. One noted, “It’s not restrictive or claustrophobic.” Another shared, “I had felt apprehensive about the closed mask… I was worried about being able to breathe and the feeling of being clamped down.” A third added, “With my swollen face, it’s a better option.” 

University Hospital Dorset is currently running a trial to ensure the precision and patient satisfaction of this new technique.  By harnessing the precision and patient-centered benefits of SGRT combined with maskless head and neck immobilization, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is setting a new standard for radiotherapy care. With compelling early clinical results and overwhelmingly positive patient feedback, this innovative approach is shaping the future of head and neck cancer treatment, delivering comfort without compromising accuracy. 

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About Vision RT:

For nearly 25 years, Vision RT has been on a mission to make radiation therapy more effective for cancer patients. We are the inventors of, and market leaders in, Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT), which uses 3D cameras to help guide radiation therapy at every step: Sim, Plan, Treat and Dose. Our systems are in active clinical use in more than 3,000 clinics globally, including 24 out of the top 25 Best Hospitals for Cancer⁴