QUANTEC

QUANTEC stands for Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic. It is a set of evidence-based guidelines intended to help predict and limit radiation-induced toxicity by defining dose-volume constraints for normal tissues. The guidelines synthesize clinical data to describe how the probability of normal tissue injury correlates with the amount and volume of tissue irradiated, and they translate this into practical planning criteria for radiotherapy.

The scope of QUANTEC covers a wide range of organs at risk, including central nervous system structures (such as the spinal cord and brainstem), optic pathways, lungs, liver, kidneys, bowel, stomach, bladder, rectum, and other sites. For each organ, the compiled information presents dose-volume relationships and acceptable thresholds or risk estimates, aiming to standardize planning approaches and facilitate comparison across institutions and treatment platforms.

Origin and publication: QUANTEC emerged from a collaborative effort among radiation oncology researchers and clinicians to create a consolidated reference on normal tissue tolerance. The guidelines were published in the early 2010s as a series of reviews and summary tables, drawing on extensive literature reviews and expert synthesis. They are commonly cited in treatment planning protocols and are used to inform dose constraints in external-beam radiotherapy, including conventional, three-dimensional conformal, and intensity-modulated approaches.

Limitations and ongoing use: While widely adopted, QUANTEC reflects historical clinical data and may be less directly applicable to contemporary hypofractionated regimens or newer modalities. Its recommendations should be interpreted in the context of patient-specific factors, treatment techniques, and institutional experience. As evidence evolves, updates and extensions continue to refine the guidance for normal tissue protection.