title: Multiple cervical lymph node involvement and extra-capsular extension predict for contralateral nodal recurrence after ipsilateral radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ipsilateral radiotherapy is an established technique for treating well-lateralised tonsillar tumours. Concerns exist regarding the risk of contralateral nodal failure, particularly in patients with ipsilateral nodal involvement at presentation. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of patients treated with ipsilateral radiotherapy aiming to identify factors that predispose to a higher risk of contralateral nodal recurrence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case note review of all patients with tonsillar cancer who were treated using ipsilateral radiotherapy between September 1995 and September 2011 was performed. Demographics, T and N stage, involvement of soft palate and/or tongue base, presence of extra-capsular spread (ECS) and treatment details were recorded. Kaplan-Meier curves for treatment outcomes were generated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 136 patients were identified. Median follow-up was 4.2years. Twelve (9%) patients had loco-regional recurrence. Eight patients (6%) had contralateral recurrence. N2b disease, ECS and number of pack-years of smoking were associated with contralateral nodal recurrence. Five-year overall survival was 89%, loco-regional disease-free survival 90%, disease-free survival 86% and distal recurrence-free survival 96%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  N2b disease, ECS and a greater than 10 pack-year smoking history are risk factors for contralateral nodal recurrence in well-lateralised tonsillar cancers. Prophylactic irradiation of the contralateral neck should be recommended in this group of patients.
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Lynch
authors: Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
authors: Punita
authors: P
authors: Lal
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Ulrike
authors: U
authors: Schick
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Christopher M
authors: CM
authors: Nutting
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Katie
authors: K
authors: Newbold
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Harrington
authors: Head and Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: sabhide@yahoo.com.
authors: Shreerang
authors: S
authors: Bhide
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: Contralateral recurrence; Extra-capsular extension; Ipsilateral radiotherapy; Multiple lymph nodes