Effectiveness of prophylactic retropharyngeal lymph node irradiation in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for the prevention of retropharyngeal nodal recurrences in locally advanced head and neck cancer.


METHODS
A retrospective review of 76 patients with head and neck cancer undergoing concurrent chemoradiation or postoperative radiotherapy with IMRT or IGRT who were at risk for retropharyngeal nodal recurrences because of anatomic site (hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx) and/or the presence of nodal metastases was undertaken.The prevalence of retropharyngeal nodal recurrences was assessed on follow-up positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scans.


RESULTS
At a median follow-up of 22 months (4-53 months), no patient developed retropharyngeal nodal recurrences.


CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic irradiation of retropharyngeal lymph nodes with IMRT or IGRT provides effective regional control for individuals at risk for recurrence in these nodes.
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA. NamPhong.Nguyen@yahoo.com
Nam P
NP
Nguyen
Jacqueline
J
Vock
Vincent
V
Vinh-Hung
Fabio
F
Almeida
Lars
L
Ewell
Michael
M
Betz
Siyoung
S
Jang
Richard A
RA
Vo
Suresh
S
Dutta
Juan
J
Godinez
Ulf
U
Karlsson
Alexander
A
Chi
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D061089:Radiotherapy, Image-Guided; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; D012008:Recurrence; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space