Reirradiation: a potentially curative approach to locally or regionally recurrent head and neck cancer.
The treatment options for patients with recurrent head and neck malignancies arising in a previously irradiated field are limited. Surgical salvage is feasible in a minority of patients. The majority are referred for palliative chemotherapy with no realistic chance for cure. Data are accumulating to support reirradiation as a potentially curative approach for patients with locally or regionally recurrent head and neck cancer. This article provides a rationale for management and reviews recent results of reirradiation.
Garofalo
Michael C
MC
University of Chicago, Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. mgarofalo@radon-uc-po.mcis.uchicago.edu
Haraf
Daniel J
DJ
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D016879:Salvage Therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents