Abstract
Relevance: An optimal choice of radiation therapy method is the main prerequisite for successful completion of treatment. Continuous analysis of radiation therapy methods’ advantages and comparing their parameters and dose load in typical cases will serve to increase the treatment efficacy and reduce the unavoidable load on critical organs. Purpose: To check the plans of treatment by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) methods, make their comparison, and identify the advantages using an example of a treatment design for a patient treated at the Daily Radiotherapy Hospital of the Kazakh Institute of Oncology and Radiology (Almaty, Kazakhstan). Results: The presented illustrations of the process planning and the numerical analysis of the dose load on critical organs show VMAT advantages for radiation therapy of salivary gland cancer: optimal coverage, sparing load on critical organs and healthy tissues, gradient decay at the borders of the neoplasm. Conclusion: The variability of radiation therapy methods ensures the most acceptable coverage that keeps the dose load within international standards’ ranges. Mastering these methods will improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy for various cancer cases.