title: Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Recurrent Unresectable Head and Neck Cancers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Treatment of locoregional, recurrent head and neck cancers following definitive radiotherapy has evolved during the past 30 years. Brachytherapy as well as protracted courses of systemic therapy and chemoradiotherapy result in 12-month survival rates of 40% to 50% but have high rates of severe toxicity. Given the advancements in radiotherapy targeting and delivery, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been investigated as an alternative treatment option with the potential advantages of reduced treatment time and rates of toxicity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors reviewed prospective trials and retrospective reports from the past decade addressing the management of locoregional, recurrent, previously radiated head and neck cancers, focusing on SBRT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The body of evidence is growing in support of reirradiation using SBRT for the treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers. The 1-year survival rates associated with SBRT are promising and similar to those seen with chemotherapy alone and concurrent, conventionally fractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment-related adverse events of reirradiation using SBRT are also similar to other palliative therapies. Late carotid rupture is a relatively rare but concerning late toxicity associated with reirradiation using SBRT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SBRT is a promising treatment for locoregional recurrent head and neck cancers. It also offers a logistical advantage over other palliative treatments, as it only requires 1 to 2 weeks of treatment.
authors.forename: Tobin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Strom
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wishka
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Jimmy.Caudell@Moffitt.org.
authors.forename: Jimmy J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Caudell
mesh_terms: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001918:Brachytherapy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D010166:Palliative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D000069475:Re-Irradiation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents