High-dose reirradiation of head and neck cancer with curative intent

Journal Article · Fri Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(94)90555-X· OSTI ID:86484

Stevens, K R; Britsch, A; Moss, W T ^[1]

---

1. Oregon Health Sciences Univ., Portland, OR (United States)

This study evaluates the response of new or recurrent head and neck cancers and the response of associated normal tissues to high dose reirradiation with curative intent. From 1964 to 1991, 15 patients with in-field new second head and neck cancers and 85 patients with recurrent head and neck cancers have had high-dose reirradiation that overlapped with previously irradiated volumes. Reirradiation was given only to patients with no more than apparent minimal clinical radiation effects from the first radiation course. The reirradiation consisted of external beam on in 82 patients, external beam plus intracavitary or interstitial implant irradiation in 14 patients, and interstitial implant irradiation only in four patients. The combined overlapping dose from both the initial and subsequent irradiation was 69-79 Gy in 14 patients, 90-99 Gy in 15 patients, 100-1999 Gy in 27 patients, and 120 Gy or greater in 44 patients. Four patients had areas of overlap that received greater than 180 Gy. The actuarial 5-year survival was 37% for patients with new second primary cancers and 17% for patients with recurrent cancers. Loco-regional tumor control was achieved in 60% of the patients with new tumors and in 27% of the patients with recurrent tumors. Nine of the 100 patients developed severe adverse normal tissue effects from the reirradiation. High-dose reirradiation of head and neck cancers can be successful curative treatment in a significant proportion of patients. It is associated with substantial but acceptable risks in properly selected patients. 46 refs., 8 tabs.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 86484
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 29; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
HEAD
NECK
NEOPLASMS
PARTICLE BEAMS
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS