Reirradiation in squamous cell head and neck cancer: recent developments and future directions.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important developments in the management of recurrent or second primary head and neck carcinoma in previously irradiated areas by reirradiation that have been published in the medical literature in the past year.


RESULTS
Recent research indicates that long-term survival can be achieved in a proportion of patients using more advanced chemo-reirradiation protocols in the primary as well as in postoperative reirradiation setting. Despite the promising results with regard to locoregional tumour control and survival, treatment-related acute and late morbidity remains of major concern.


CONCLUSIONS
As an increasing number of patients currently receive more effective initial treatment regimens, recurrent and second primary tumours in previously irradiated areas nowadays may represent a more radio-resistant population than reported in previous studies. Therefore, full-dose chemo-reirradiation should only be applied in well selected cases.
Langendijk
Johannes A
JA
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen/University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.a.langendijk@rt.umcg.nl
Bourhis
Jean
J
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000639:trends; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome