Radiation- Induced Alopecia in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy to the Brain

Study will be conducted on patients receiving Whole brain(WB) / Partial Brain(PB) radiotherapy using volumetric modulated arc therapy or intensity modulated radiotherapy at Department of Radiation Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Insititute, Gurgaon, Haryana with end points. 1) Primary - To observe degree of alopecia at conclusion of radiotherapy compared to pre- radiotherapy status using scalp sparing radiotherapy technique. 2) Secondary 1)Recording the temporal dose levels causing radiation associated alopecia and dose range acceptable for reversible radiation-induced alopecia and determine dose volume threshold for the same 2)Recording of scalp doses by in vivo dosimetry and correlation with radiation induced alopecia Methods: Study includes 50 patients of partial / whole brain radiation therapy to be followed consecutively for radiation- induced alopecia. Contouring: For WB radiation entire scalp will be contoured. For PB irradiation contouring of partial scalp to be done by drawing 2-3 cm beyond the PTV edge in all directions. Planning: The treatment planning and delivery to be done as per existing practice in department. Contouring at Monaco / Brain Lab Contouring stations and planning on Monaco Treatment planning system (TPS) Version 5.11.01. Duration: 18 months for patient accrual; in this observational study patients undergoing radiation therapy to brain will be evaluated clinically and objectively for degree of alopecia. Photographic and Clinical record of four views of scalp- Right lateral, Left lateral, top and rear to be taken at intervals- a)Pre-Radiotherapy (RT) b) RT Conclusion c) First follow-up at 1 month. Hair loss quantified using Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) Score. Dosimetric measurements having subcomponents - measurement of surface dose uses optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters to be placed over scalp for first 5 fractions in case of conventional or fractionated SRT, for the entire duration of short course treatments and for firs