Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be bridging the gap between the acquisition of data and its meaningful interpretation. These approaches, have shown outstanding capabilities, outperforming most classification and regression methods to date and the ability to automatically learn the most suitable data representation for the task at hand and present it for better correlation. This article tries to sensitize the practising radiation oncologists to understand where the potential role of AI lies and what further can be achieved with it. Methods and materials: Contemporary literature was searched and the available literature was sorted and an attempt at writing a comprehensive non-systematic review was made. Results: The article addresses various areas in oncology, especially in the field of radiation oncology, where the work based on AI has been done. Whether it’s the screening modalities, or diagnosis or the prognostic assays, AI has come with more accurately defining results and survival of patients. Various steps and protocols in radiation oncology are now using AI-based methods, like in the steps of planning, segmentation and delivery of radiation. Benefit of AI across all the platforms of health sector may lead to a more refined and personalized medicine in near future. Conclusion: AI with the use of machine learning and artificial neural networks has come up with faster and more accurate solutions for the problems faced by oncologist. The uses of AI,are likely to get increased exponentially . However, concerns regarding demographic discrepancies in relation to patients, disease and their natural history and reports of manipulation of AI, the ultimate responsibility will rest on the treating physicians.

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BackgroundTo evaluate the survival outcomes and toxicities experienced by non-metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) patients receiving modulated radiotherapy (RT).Materials and methodsA total of 608 HNC patients treated consecutively from March 2010 to December 2014 with common subsites (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and nasopharynx) of HNCs formed the study group. Eligible patients included those treated with radical or postoperative RT between March 2010 and December 2014. More than 90% patients received modulated RT [intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)] with concurrent chemotherapy as per stage guidelines. Demographic parameters and disease-related factors were analysed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated from end date of RT till last follow-up or last date of disease control. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of registration to last follow-up date if alive. The primary endpoint was survival. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 and Kaplan–Meier method was used for calculation survival.ResultsAmong the evaluable patients, the median age was 60 years (range: 16–93) with male preponderance (male:female – 513:95). Majority were squamous cell carcinoma 93·4% (568/608). The subsites treated were oral cavity 36·8% (224). oropharynx 26·4% (161), larynx 19·7% (120), hypopharynx 10% (62) and nasopharynx 6·4% (41). RT intent was radical in 63·5% (386) and postoperative in 36·5% (222), with 59·5% (362) receiving concurrent chemotherapy. At last follow-up, 348 (57·2%) patients were alive, 169 (27·7%) patients had succumbed to disease and 120 (24·6%) patients had recurrent disease. Out of 120 recurrent cases loco-regional recurrence, nodal recurrence and distant metastases were seen in 62 (51·7%), 25 (20·8%), 33 (27·5%), respectively. In the entire study cohort at 2 year OS and DFS was 80 and 79% whereas 3 years OS and DFS was 70 and 75%, respectively.ConclusionsIn our study, 2 years and 3 years OS and DFS rates are found comparable to the international data with acceptable toxicity profile with the use of modulated RT. It seems to be possible because of stringent departmental protocols and good medical physics support. Our data re-validates need and benefit of advanced RT techniques like IG-IMRT and VMAT for both postoperative and radical HNC treatment at the cost of minimal long-term side effects. Future stringent follow-up and quality of life issues are being considered in a prospective manner.

IntroductionCancer of the head and neck is one of the most common cancers in India. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a vital role in the management of head and neck cancer both as a curative and adjuvant modality. Xerostomia is the most common acute and late toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze radiation-induced xerostomia and the quality of life of patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and threedimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate radiation-induced acute xerostomia both subjectively and objectively at threemonth and one-year post-radiotherapy follow-up period in patients who received radiotherapy in conformal technique (IMRT) to the head and neck region and compare it with those who received the 3DCRT technique. We also aim to assess the recovery of salivary flow in the third month post-radiotherapy by measuring the parotid scintigraphy excretion fraction. Materials and methodsForty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were randomly assigned to the IMRT and 3DCRT arms. Xerostomia during radiation and at three-month and one-year post-radiotherapy follow-up was assessed subjectively using the xerostomia-related quality of life (XeQOL) questionnaire and objectively by measuring the salivary flow rate and parotid scintigraphy.

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