Rare entities in head-and-neck cancer: salvage re-irradiation with carbon ions | Radiation Oncology | Full Text

Rare entities in head-and-neck cancer: salvage re-irradiation with carbon ions | Radiation Oncology | Full Text



Radiation Oncology

Rare entities in head-and-neck cancer: salvage re-irradiation with carbon ions

• Thomas Held, 
• Paul Windisch, 
• Sati Akbaba, 
• Kristin Lang, 
• Benjamin Farnia, 
• Jakob Liermann, 
• Denise Bernhardt, 
• Peter Plinkert, 
• Christian Freudlsperger, 
• Stefan Rieken, 
• Klaus Herfarth, 
• Jürgen Debus & 
• Sebastian Adeberg 

Radiation Oncology volume 14, Article number: 202 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the outcomes and toxicity of carbon-ion re-irradiation (CIR) in patients with rare head and neck cancers (HNC). There is a paucity of data regarding treatment approaches in this patient cohort, which we aim to address in this work.

Methods

Thirty-two (n = 32) consecutive patients with uncommon HNC treated between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of clinical outcomes, patterns of failure, and toxicity.

Results

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) was the most common histology (22%). Patients received a median cumulative dose equivalent in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) after CIR of 128.6 Gy (range, 105.8–146.5 Gy). The local and distant control rates 1 year after CIR were 66 and 72%. No serious acute or late toxicity (≥ grade 3) after CIR was observed.

Conclusions

CIR may represent an effective and safe treatment alternative to palliative systemic therapies in these rare indications.