Sharkey, Megan and Bridge, Pete 
ORCID: 0000-0001-7704-9812
(2025)
A systematic review of open face versus mask less surface guided radiotherapy for patients undergoing radiotherapy for head, neck and brain tumours
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice, 24.
e15-.
ISSN 1460-3969, 1467-1131
Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Accurate delivery of radiotherapy to head, neck and brain cancer relies on the use of sophisticated immobilisation devices, usually using a restrictive thermoplastic mask. These masks can cause anxiety and can make treatment difficult for many patients. Open-face or maskless techniques are alternatives which can improve the patient experience. This systematic review aimed to compare the effectiveness of open-face (OF) masks and maskless surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) with conventional masks. Method: Primary research papers from the last 10 years were gathered from Scopus, PUBMED, Web of Science and OVID databases. Quantitative data reporting interfractional set-up errors and intrafractional patient motion were extracted from included studies and subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Additional qualitative data relating to patient tolerance were also extracted to inform discussion. Results: Ten studies were identified for inclusion. The data identified that OF masks can reproduce patient set-up with an accuracy of <2 mm and <1° and can restrict movement to <1 mm and 0·4°, while maskless SGRT can achieve accuracy to within 0·05 mm and 0·1°. Conclusion: This review indicates comparable reduction of intrafractional motion between conventional masks, Open-Face masks and maskless SGRT techniques. More research is needed into the impact of maskless SGRT techniques on translational and rotational motions compared to traditional masks.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, 3211 Oncology and Carcinogenesis, Cancer, Dental/Oral and Craniofacial Disease, Rare Diseases, Cancer |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 08 May 2025 08:37 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Nov 2025 18:31 |
| DOI: | 10.1017/s1460396925000111 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1017/S1460396925000111 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3192674 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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